The List is delighted to report on NVA’s announcement that they will play a ‘major role’ in plans to save St Peter’s Seminary and Kilmahew Woodlands. The Glasgow based environmental charity will use the £45,600 award fund given to them by the Scottish Arts Council’s National Lottery Public Art Fund to develop a commission plan for the creation of significant temporary and permanent artworks at St Peter’s Seminary and Kilmahew Woodlands in Cardross.

The beautiful St Peter’s Seminary was recently added to the 100 Most Endangered Sites list of the World Monuments Fund. NVA’s plans to transform the former Kilmahew estate, which includes 120 acres of woodland and the Seminary itself, is a vital part in the recovery and restoration of the area.

Angus Farquhar, director of NVA, said of the funding break: ‘The support from the Scottish Arts Council to create a strong commission plan is the best possible start to creating a world-class creative landscape within the woodlands.

‘The site carries a remarkable 500 year history of human intervention, from the mediaeval foundations of Cardross Castle, the survival of natural woodlands and a stunning Victorian designed estate, to the powerful imposition of the 20th century seminary buildings. A creative landscape is driven not by a single focus or perspective on its heritage, conservation, environmental or leisure value, but by an inspired reading of the layers of history that underpin it, that define its complex character and the visionary artistic responses that can expand this narrative into a new century. The plan will allow us to look at temporary and permanent ways to take these ideas forward.’

Property developers, Urban Splash have been working with NVA to look at the best ways of transforming the buildings and woodlands. Discussions are also underway with local residents.