Culture role for historic mansion

A GOTHIC mansion, established more than a century ago as Scotland's first school of fine arts, is to be developed as a centre of art and culture in Angus.

Hospitalfield, a grade A-listed building on the outskirts of Arbroath, was left in trust by its owner Patrick Allan-Fraser in 1890 for the study and practice of the visual arts. Since then, it has developed an international reputation as a centre for artists' residencies, helping the careers of Scot-tish painters such as Joan Eardley, Peter Howson and Will McLean.

Yesterday, the charitable trust that runs Hospitalfield unveiled ambitious plans to extend its role as a champion for the development of art and culture through the Angus area.

Ken Cargill, the trust's chairman and former head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland, said: "Hospitalfield is well known in international art circles as a place of inspiration, unique character and tranquillity, but in Angus it has remained a hidden jewel – unknown to all but a handful of local people.

"We want to open the doors to this inspirational building to make Hospitalfield an important cultural centre for the people of Angus and further afield."

A trust spokeswoman said: "Hospitalfield will be more widely marketed as a venue for weddings and other events, including dinners, workshops, away days and conferences. A fundraising strategy is also under development."