Work starts next week on PagePark-designed redevelopment thanks to 拢4.5m lottery boost

The long-awaited revamp of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery got the green light yesterday after receiving a 拢4.5m lottery boost.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant will go towards the 拢17.6m PagePark-designed redevelopment of the Edinburgh building, aiming to double gallery space.

Work on the project, named Portrait of a Nation, is due to start next weekend and take up to two and a half years.


Design for the gallery revamp
Architect Page\Park's design for the extended gallery

The scheme includes a new learning centre, upgraded restaurant and shops and more display areas in order to treble the number of works on show.

Colin McLean, head of the HLF in Scotland, said: 鈥淣ew life will be breathed into this beautiful historic building.

鈥淭reasures that have been stored away for years will be brought out to showcase Scotland's history through the portraits of those who shaped it.

鈥淭he Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to be able to support Portrait of a Nation and in doing so, support Edinburgh as a leading European cultural destination.

The museum was built in 1889 and is the world's oldest portrait gallery.