Category: Factual
& Arts TV; Scotland
Date: 19.07.2004
Printable version
Restoration
results from first programme revealed
Speaking from Hampton Court Palace, Griff Rhys Jones last night
revealed that the nation had chosen Knockando Wool Mill in the
heart of the Spey Valley in Scotland to be the first building to go
through to the final of this year's Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ TWO series Restoration
Β– winning over 49% of the votes.
On Tuesday 13 July, in the first episode of the new series, Griff called
on viewers to choose between Knockando Wool Mill and two other buildings
Β– The Hall of Clestrain in Orkney and Portencross Castle
in Ayrshire.
Μύ
Knockando Wool Mill - an A-listed woollen mill that
has been working continuously for the past 200 years - lies amid the
distilleries of the whisky trail.
Μύ
The mill is overflowing with Dickensian machinery that
can transform fleece into a finished blanket or length of tweed for
the local gamekeepers.
It is still working today, thanks to Hugh Jones, who has spent the last
30 years learning the skills and keeping the complex machinery running.
Μύ
But the building that houses all these machines is falling
down around his ears, the mill's roof is collapsing and the main beams
are giving way.
Μύ
Colin McLean, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for Scotland,
said: "Knockando Wool Mill is a heritage gem and we are delighted
that it has reached the final.
Μύ
"As one of only a handful of integrated local mills
of its type in Europe, this internationally important building fully
deserves to be saved so that traditional skills can be preserved and
passed on to future generations.
"The Heritage Lottery Fund is committed to helping as many people
as possible celebrate their heritage, so we have set aside Β£2.5m
for The Restoration Fund to help restore the winner.
Μύ
"I would encourage Scottish voters to get behind
their finalist and guarantee a future for the mill."
Μύ
Last night's result means that Knockando Wool Mill
will be one of eight buildings to be featured in the live final at Hampton
Court Palace in mid-August.
Μύ
Here a nationwide vote will decide which building should
be given a new lease of life with money raised throughout the course
of the series.
Last night three buildings in south-east England were featured for viewers
to choose between - Strawberry Hill in Twickenham; Severndroog
Castle in Greenwich; and the Archbishop's Palace in Charing,
Kent.
Μύ
Tomorrow's episode of Restoration (Tuesday 20 July)
will reveal which of these will become the second building to go through
to the final.
Μύ
Lines are now open and viewers can vote by calling
09011 33 22 22.
Voting lines are open for three days for each programme from 2.00am
on day prior to transmission until midnight on day after.
Restoration is produced by Endemol UK Productions for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland.
Μύ
