Following a multimillion-pound restoration, the Old School in Thornhill has opened its doors to the local community once again. The project, which began almost a decade ago, has brought the derelict Category C-listed building back to life as a new community workspace and youth hub.
Designed by architect, Edward Dakers, the Old School was built in 1909 and occupies a prominent position on the edge of Thornhill, a rural village north of Dumfries. After services were transferred to a modern building nearby in 2010, the school closed down and was left vacant for many years, subsequently suffering from vandalism and arson.
The project to restore the building to its former glory initially began in 2016, when a small group of people who had returned to the area were taking their children to school. They came together with an idea to buy and transform the Old School into an innovative, design-led, community asset. The key aim was to retain its character and memory, whilst also creating a space that would remain in constant use for generations to come, fostering creative collaboration and benefiting Thornhill and the surrounding communities.
Images: The exterior of Old School Thornhill before and after restoration. After photo by Laura Sparrow Photography.
The group’s vision was fulfilled when Old School Thornhill officially launched to the public in April. The restored building has been opened up to an exciting mix of new uses, bringing together local groups, small businesses, freelancers, charities, artists and creatives. Around the main hall, which has now been fitted with a stage, a giant screen and lighting, the five old classrooms and kitchens have a range of new purposes. Along with a community garden and kitchen, the building also features space for co-working, health and wellbeing classes, performances, cinema screenings and community gatherings, as well as meeting rooms and studios.
Images: The interior of Old School Thornhill before and after restoration. After photo by Laura Sparrow Photography.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is delighted to have supported this project from an early stage, initially awarding a Project Viability Grant in 2017 towards business planning and community engagement - this led to a successful Scottish Land Fund application, which enabled Old School Thornhill to acquire the building. Subsequent Project Development Grants in 2019 and 2020 contributed towards staff costs and professional fees, helping the project to secure the majority of its capital fundraising costs. A further Project Development Grant was awarded in 2022 to progress work with the Architect and Design Team during the critical final stage.
