18 May 2018

Cycling 350 miles in support of Hill House plans

Struan Mills at Gladstone’s Land

Trust accountant and keen cyclist Struan Mills is cycling 350 miles this weekend to raise funds for our plans to protect the Hill House for future generations.

A dedicated charity worker and keen cyclist set off on a gruelling 350 mile journey today (Friday 18 May) to raise funds for our Box the Hill House appeal.

Accountant Struan Mills (37) from Edinburgh set off from Gladstone’s Land, our Royal Mile townhouse, on a journey that will take him to ten more Trust sites across the country, arriving at Helensburgh’s Hill House on Monday 21 May.

His impressive effort is all in aid of the appeal to raise £1.5 million for our ambitious plan to protect the Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece.

During the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s birth this year, the Trust is planning to build a ‘box’ around the iconic property whose sandstone structure is dissolving under its cement render. The box will shield the Hill House from the rain, allowing the building to dry out and for crucial conservation work to take place.

Struan, who has worked with the National Trust for Scotland for 6 years, is ready for his challenge. He said:

‘Like everyone who works for the National Trust for Scotland, I do what I do for the love of Scotland. I am really pleased to be playing my part in supporting this important appeal. The Hill House is one of Scotland’s treasures and we want to make sure that it’s protected for everyone.’

The Trust launched the Box the Hill House campaign in February 2018 and has raised £400,000 of its £1.5 million target so far.

Richard Williams, General Manager for Glasgow and West at the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘This is one of the most urgent and important appeals in our history. We have very limited time to get the box in place around the Hill House and start the process of drying the building out. We are really grateful to everyone who’s supported our efforts so far. Our members, donors, visitors, volunteers and staff are all playing their part in protecting Scotland’s heritage.’

Struan’s route will take him to Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh, St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve in Berwickshire, Harmony and Priorwood Gardens in Melrose, Grey Mare’s Tail near Moffat, Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace in Ecclefechan, Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, Threave Garden near Castle Douglas, Culzean Castle & Country Park in Ayrshire and Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway before he finishes at the Hill House in Helensburgh.

Donations in aid of Struan’s cycle can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/struan-mills