A ROW of houses in the World Heritage Site of New Lanark could be in danger of slipping into the Clyde.

Nov 6 2008 by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke

That is the stark warning from Arthur Bell, chairman of New Lanark Trust, who is also concerned the London Olympics are threatening Scotland’s heritage.

Too much lottery funding is being spent on the London Olympics, says Mr Bell, who believes sites like New Lanark are suffering as a result.

His warning comes amidst fears a vital retaining wall in New Lanark might collapse – due to lack of funding for vital restoration work.

Part of the historic site was in danger of falling into the River Clyde, unless cash was found to fund the completion of vital repair work.

The New Lanark Trust were recently refused a Heritage Lottery Grant to fund the restoration of the wall.

Mr Bell said this week: “I think there is a perception in Scotland, certainly, there is an awful lot of money being siphoned off to go to the east end of London.

“While we wish everybody the best in 2012, we don’t want to see our heritage put at risk because of cycling or swimming.”

He added: “The necessity is now to get the rest of the wall done, before a row of houses in the world heritage site could gradually slip down towards the River Clyde.”

The 18th century cotton mill village is one of five Unesco World Heritage sites in Scotland.

But the charitable trust which owns it have warned a lack of cash is delaying vital restoration work.

And Mr Bell expressed concerns the current economic turmoil was impacting heavily on Scotland’s rural historic sites.

He said: “Centuries-old walls have a habit of falling. Roof leaks and rots develop. Heating and lighting costs rocket. Car parks need resurfaced. Rooms need refurbished.

“All this before you start marketing – trying to attract your share of a diminishing market.”

He also revealed the Trust had recently been refused a critical National Heritage Lottery Grant, which would have been used to stop a crumbling wall collapsing.

Carole Souter, chief executive of the lottery fund, said: “The proposals for this project had much to commend them, but in such a highly competitive round we were unable to fund them.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund admitted more money was being spent on the London Olympics.

South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell raised the issue of New Lanark’s future in a parliamentary question to Culture Minister Linda Fabiani.

Responding, Ms Fabiani said: “I know concerns have been raised about retaining a wall in New Lanark and Historic Scotland are involved in ongoing discussions with the Trust. They have provided grant aid of £86,000 and are awaiting information on costs for the repair of further sections of the wall.”

As a voluntary body, New Lanark Trust, under director Dr Jim Arnold, depend on Historic Scotland and South Lanarkshire for aid with capital projects.

Other sources included the EU, which was formerly the largest contributor.

Mr Bell explained: “Now European funding heads east, and if lottery money isn't available, larger exercises can't easily progress.

“In such partnerships, if one application – such as the lottery – fails, other parties withdraw their offers.”

He went on to say: “New Lanark doesn't spend all of its time waving a begging bowl.

“Attractions, including a spectacular new roof garden, are all revenue-raising. The Mill Hotel generates a turnover of £2m annually and with more than 125 conferences and 90 weddings, it doesn't depend solely on tourism. Last year the trust invested in a swimming pool and gymnasium and about 700 local people have joined.

“Our 400,000 visitors generate good catering and gift-shop sales and entrance fees. Other less obvious funding is earned – like woollen yarn sold online and to wholesale customers, including Chanel. A heat-exchanger produces enough energy for the buildings, and a generator hums away.”