A GALLERY of modern art could be created in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders after it was confirmed that historic Haining House, Category A-Listed, and its picturesque grounds have been bequeathed “for the benefit for the community of Selkirkshire and the wider public”. The gift, worth millions on paper, is confirmed in the registered will of art-lover Andrew Nimmo-Smith, who died in the Borders General Hospital last month, aged 83. The retired lawyer had not enjoyed good health in recent years and had lived alone, with the help of carers, in his 18th century mansion just west of the town centre. Apart from the A-listed house, the 160-acre estate includes a loch, extensive woodland, designed terraces, a walled garden and old bear and wolf cages. A significant, but as yet unspecified, sum of money also forms part of the bequest which will be administered by a charitable trust, comprising Mr Nimmo-Smith’s cousins Eve Carter from Somerset and Jean Pringle-Pattison from East Lothian, along with family solicitor Susan Edington, who practises in Galashiels.
“The whole family is very pleased at this bequest because it is exactly what Andrew wanted,” said another first cousin, Veronica Daniel of Morpeth.
The largesse of the reclusive Mr Nimmo-Smith was acclaimed this week by Dr Lindsay Neil, chairman of the Selkirk Regeneration Group (SRG).
“We are indeed fortunate to have such a generous benefactor and our group will work with the new Haining Trust in any way to see that the exploitation of this magnificent gift is achieved in the way Mr Nimmo-Smith wanted,” said Dr Neil.”Selkirk will become an even brighter jewel in the Borders’ regalia as a result.”
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