IT’S a sad ending for the story of Moat Brae which is set to shut after just five years.
The trustees of Scotland’s £5.7 million National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling in Dumfries yesterday announced the doors will close there on Friday August 23.
It has emerged that The Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, which is a registered charity, has been losing money for an extended period of time.
There’s also been a ‘significant’ drop in visitors to the George Street site, which includes a Neverland garden.
In addition, they say they have seen a “marked reduction” in statutory funding, grant funding, donor income and legacies.
Despite the efforts of staff and the volunteer team, coupled with local community support, they’ve been further hit by the rising cost of living. Running costs have spiralled, with inflation impacting across the board on labour, property holding costs, food and beverages.
On behalf of the board of trustees, interim chair Graham Edwards this week said: “Every possible effort and option have been explored by the trustees and staff of the Moat Brae Peter Pan Trust. Therefore, it is with deep sadness that we announce the end of operations.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, members and many supporters of the trust for their commitment in bringing the magic of books and storytelling to life for the thousands of visitors who passed through the doors.
“The Trust’s purpose was to spark young imaginations and encourage creativity, we hope this is the legacy we leave behind.”
Designed by Dumfries architect Walter Newall in 1823 for local solicitor Robert Threshie, the building has been a private residence and private hospital/nursing home.
But it is most well known for providing the inspiration for author and playwright James Matthew Barrie.
He grew up in Dumfries, from 1873 to 1878, and during this time he became great friends with Hal and Stuart Gordon, who lived at Moat Brae with their parents,
JM Barrie and often visited the house, and especially the garden. He later described it as ‘enchanted land’, adding that it provided ‘the genesis of that nefarious work’ … Peter Pan.
Bringing the building back to life was a fairytale story, that culminated with a reopening in June 2019, with long-term supporter Dame Joanna Lumley cutting the ribbon.
Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited Moat Brae just months later too and was told of the hopes it would attract 31,000 people a year and generate £1.3 million for the area’s economy.
