A long-running fundraising campaign to drum up £10million for renovation work to Aberdeen’s art gallery is closing in on its first £1million.
The £30million renovation, which council chiefs have vowed will make the attraction among the “best regional galleries in the world”, has been funded by £10million from the authority and £10million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
A fundraising campaign is currently ongoing for the remaining cash.
On Thursday, the council’s education committee heard that a total of £650,000 had so far been banked.
And last night council sources said that an anonymous donation of £250,000 had just been left for the project.
Added to this the Press and Journal’s long running donation drive has netted £30,000 bringing the total to an impressive £930,000.
In March, the building was covered in a shroud urging more donations and further support has come from recruiting renowned north-east percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie to be the face of the campaign.
Residents should see work progress quickly on the renovation with massive roof lights installed within the next few weeks before copper plates are put on the side of the building.
It will then be made completely wind and water tight, before internal works are carried out and the art works are finally moved into place.
The A-listed building is scheduled to reopen next winter.
Last night the council’s finance convener Willie Young said that officers at the local authority had estimated the city’s art collection to be worth around £200million.
He said: “We are eternally grateful for this anonymous donation which is just one of a number we’ve had.
“We have £200million worth of art in this city but we have struggled to display it which is one of the major reasons we went for the renovation.”
The drive has proved controversial in some quarters but Mr Young insisted the work was not in jeopardy.
He said: “We have underwritten the money so the fundraising will continue indefinitely until the money is raised.
“The most important thing is that people will soon get to see the incredible work that has been done.”
The gallery was opened in 1885, partly funded through public donations.
The current work includes the creation of 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11, as well as a community gallery in a new wing at the rear of the building.
Those wishing to support the project can visit www.aagm.co.uk/donate or phone 01224 523670.
Donations can also be made by SMS by texting AAGM001 to 70970 to donate £5 and AAGM001 to 70191 to donate £10.
Donors can also send a cheque, made payable to Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust, to: Inspiring Art and Music Campaign, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY.
Alternatively, call 01224 523670.