Law's Close, 339 - 343 High Street, Kirkcaldy (1986-2005)
This building is an 'A' Listed Merchant's House in Kirkcaldy, Fife. It has been in the ownership of SHBT since 1986 and subject to a number of restoration packages (the first being to secure some funding to repair the basic structure of the building, make it weatherproof and restore its exterior finish/appearance in 1986). The last of these began on site in September 2003, and was officially opened in September 2005 by Gordon Brown, MP. (Photographs show Gordon Brown accompanied by SHBT Trustees and Cockburn Conservation Trust Trustees)
   
George McNeill
(Chairman of the SHBT - pictured on the left above) said
"This has been a labour of love made possible by the commitment of many people and organisations. We have carried out several phases of archaeological work and restoration to bring the property back to life as two shops on the ground floor and lettable business space on two floors above suitable for creative industries. The aim of the Trust is not just conservation for the sake of it, but to find new uses for old buildings to keep communities alive."
The house dates back to the 16th Century and has an extensive collection of historically important details within its walls from all phases of its history. These include a medieval wall painting, period timber panelling, spectacular 16th century painted ceilings and a late 17th century plastered ceiling. Finds during the restoration work included: Russian Coins and a 1670's Naval Chart of the Gulf of Finland.
  
SHBT will be participating in Doors Open Day - Kirkcaldy and Central Fife - on Sunday 13th September 2009 - do come along and join us - see the panelling, ship wall painting, plasterwork and garden. Refreshments will be available. Last year we had over 300 visitors to our Doors Open Day on Sunday 14th of September.
One of the two shop units has been let to the Tourist Information Centre, and the rest of the building is in the process of being let to people working in creative industries.
If you work in the Creative Industries (Arts related - ie Web Design, Crafts, Educational etc) and are looking for space in Kirkcaldy, the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust can offer a range of spaces (Office Suites/Shops) in its property at Law's Close in the town's High Street. To find out more, contact Janet Pettigrew (Administrator) on Tel 0131 220 5990 to arrange a viewing.
We can offer spaces from 140sq ft to 1044 sq ft - rental prices are from £8 to £12.50 per square foot - which is inclusive of heating, lighting, security, common building repairs and landscape maintenance.
We also can offer an educational workshop with small office/WC/Kitchenette which may be hired for one off or short let events - and may be used in conjunction with the garden - so if you have an art show and are looking for a venue do get in touch.
The Trust wishes to thank the following funders for their assistance towards this project:
Historic Scotland
Heritage Lottery Fund
Scottish Enterprise Fife
Fife Environmental Trust
European Regional Development Fund
Fife Council
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
The Russell Trust
Architectural Heritage Fund
The Dunard Trust
With thanks to the Kirkcaldy Riggs THI
Unveiling of Plaque
On Tuesday 19th June 2007 Mark Lena unveiled the Kirkcaldy Civic Society/SHBT Plaque at Merchant's House/Laws Close, detailing the history of the 16th Century Merchants' House. Mark Lena is the grandson of John Lena (former owner of the building). SHBT was represented at the ceremony by George McNeill (Chairman of SHBT Trustees).
  
(Photos by Don Swanson)
Before
  
After
   
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