One of Ayr's most iconic buildings has been restored to its former glory in honour of the engineering great who called it home.
Seafield House was built in 1888 by and for one of Scotland’s leading civil engineers and bridge builders, Sir William Arrol, as an elegant Italianate mansion.
Arrol, who constructed the Forth Bridge and many other significant crossings, died in 1913 - after which his home became a maternity and children’s hospital which operated for some 70 years before being closed by the NHS.
A fire which ravaged the B-Listed building in 2008 looked to have numbered its days with the site being earmarked for demolition.
But local developer Robin Ghosh, whose dad worked as a doctor in the children’s hospital, has stepped in to save the building for the nation with the creation of ten stunning new appartments.
Now architects, conservation experts, Sir William’s family, Friends of Seafield House (FoSH) and dignitaries have come together to celebrate the saving of the building.
Patrick Lorimer, chair of FoSH, said: “Friends of Seafield House cannot praise highly enough Robin Ghosh and Derek Shennan of Econstruct for the focus and determination they have shown in transforming the once neglected former home of Sir William Arrol into ten spacious apartments.
"They have achieved a remarkable conservation and conversion of Seafield House, demonstrating that even the most neglected of historic buildings can have a future.”
Ayr's MP Allan Dorans added: “It’s an absolutely wonderful development and has literally risen from the ashes after the fire and being left derelict for years.
"The completion of the building is a huge tribute to Robin Ghosh and Econstruct and shows the benefit of partnership working and the commitment of those involved.
The original solid oak front doors with brasswork have been restored and put on display on entry to the house.
The building's glass roof atrium has also been meticulously designed to replace the original glazed roof lantern that greeted guests as they entered the Grand Hall.
Ghosh said he hoped the development would leave a "lasting legacy" and provide "inspiration to save other historic buildings”.
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