No other Scottish city stronghold has a comparable identification with one single family such as Dudhope's with the Scrimgeours. We have, literally, centuries of association with this building and thus, arguably, more than a nominal responsibility for it. This sentiment gave rise to pleading, cajoling ...... some might say pestering ......over many years attempting to ensure its preservation. In these days of financial stringency, especially for Local Authorities, a near miracle has happened. Restoration of the fabric is well under way; in fact roof repairs, one of the major considerations, are nearing completion.

How many Readers recall visiting Dudhope at our inaugural Gathering, on Saturday 5th June 1971, and remember our guide, David Walker of the Historic Buildings Council stressing the national significance of Dudhope, historically and architecturally, especially in its urban context? The City of Dundee was then not the most highly regarded local authority in conservationist circles; but times have changed — dramatically.

Now, thanks to the City of Dundee District Council, via the Manpower Services Commission, and helped by a "Historic Buildings and Monuments" grant, funds are available and restoration of the carcass of Dudhope is assured. Strictly, that is all......

MEANTIME. But plans, which we have inspected, show the building completely refurbished. We hope to have these drawings for all to see at our next (1987) Gathering. They show proposed Local Authority offices, including a spacious conference room (ideal for S.C.A.A.G.M.s !) a caretaker's flat and all the usual facilities; but of paramount significance for us ...... "The Scrimgeour Room."

This compartment, some twenty feet square over the pend entrance, will contain displays telling the Castle's history which is inextricably our history. Interesting items are being collected for this small heritage centre: one of the fine William IV fireplaces, stone and wood carvings found during the restoration work, even bullets ("live" rounds too !) dating from the days of the Barracks. And what more suitable home could be wished for the splendid figurine whose photo graced the cover of the Skirmisher for five issues ?

We envisage exhibiting copies of the famous charters by Wallace and Bruce to the Scrimgeours of the day, suitably displayed with other documents and books of interest to visitors. Special cases, lighting and the mounting of artefacts are costly. But money has already been donated and several interesting books for a possible collection offered too. Some may think this jumping the gun or warming the bell. We believe it demonstrates faith in the ultimate restoration !

Just as Scrimgeours so generously contributed towards publication costs of the history, so we are certain they will ensure our having a Scrimgeour Room of which we can be justly proud. This is not "just another appeal". The history and Dudhope are the two items in our Constitution, the only two, directly involving financial support. No other comparable call is envisaged ...... ever !

We revisited Dudhope on Tuesday 22nd July this year, when we were shown the plans by the Architect in charge who then took us over the entire building. It was a thrilling experience in more ways than one; entire floors are temporarily shored-up and safety helmets were de rigueur! David Walker is still at the helm of "Historic Buildings and Monuments" and has been recontacted; he clearly recalls Saturday 5th June 1971, is dedicated to the restoration work and will ensure that everything possible, within the funds available, will be done authentically.

 Although primarily for posterity, this project, when it comes to fruition, will be of great satisfaction to all involved in its inception to whatever extent.

So we have an eventual aim but must not forget that Dundee City District Council own the building. They do not wish to count too many chickens and hence no appeal is being launched yet; but in due time, as indicated at our this years A.G.M., we feel we can and will raise a "four figure sum". Please keep this in mind !

Partly as an earnest of our intended continuing liaison with the City of Dundee, at a recent meeting of our Council, it was decided to make a significant contribution towards a unique Scrimgeour artefact which has appeared on the market ; a gold presentation snuffbox which Dundee Museum hope to purchase. Its value ....£14,000 ! After much discussion Council voted to contribute £250 from the History "profits". Lord and Lady Dundee are most generously making this up to £300 and one or two Council Members are also contributing. Little imagination is required to visualize this item of Scrimgeour memorabilia suitably displayed, on occasions, in our room in Dudhope.

If you would like to be personally associated with Dundee Museum's acquisition of "our" snuffbox, Treasurer Tom Scrimgeour will be delighted to accept even token contributions. This is not a general appeal and certainly not intended to detract from our eventual Dudhope Scrimgeour Room Appeal. However, we believe that any assistance now will demonstrate tangibly to the City of Dundee our commitment to "things Scrimgeour" and it is relevant to our ultimate aspirations for a revitalised Dudhope Castle.