Works to install a lift at the historic 19th century McKechnie Institute in Girvan are set to get underway in July. 

South Ayrshire Council has worked with Historic Environment Scotland to ensure the plans do not negatively effect the space. 

The building is currently used as an art gallery, and works will be carried out to improve accessibility for visitors.

Despite giving the go-ahead for the installation of the lift, HES stopped short of giving its support to the planning application submitted by South Ayrshire Council.

In its response to the application, which was lodged on January 29, HES said: “The McKechnie Institute was built as a library in the later 19th century and is listed at Category B.

"This is an important space, however we acknowledge that the lift’s visual and physical impacts have been minimised as far as possible.

“The institute was built as a public building; this remains an important part of its significance, and we accept this proposal on balance, because of the benefits of making the first floor of the museum accessible to all.

“Our view is that the proposals do not raise historic environment issues of national significance and therefore we do not object.

“However, our decision not to object should not be taken as our support for the proposals.”

Munro Architects, who created the plans, said: “The purpose of the proposed project is the provision of a passenger lift to enable wheelchair access to first floor in general and the gallery space at first floor.

“The project is in response to a request by a regular visitor to the museum and gallery and user of a motorised wheelchair for access to first floor spaces. At present there are no facilities for disabled access to first floor.

“In order to minimise impact to the structure and furnishes of the Listed B property a passenger lift is proposed to be located in the reception area close to the main entrance and centred on a column bay.”

“The proposed lift has been carefully selected not to be oversized but to be capable of accommodating a motorised wheel chair.

“The lift is proposed to have glazed panels on three sides at ground floor level to minimise its visual impact. At first floor the lift will be largely enclosed within existing and minimally amended walls."

South Ayrshire Council says the building will be closed to the public whilst the lift is installed. 

A spokesperson said: "Works will be starting soon to improve accessibility at the McKechnie Institute.

"We have appointed a contractor to install a new passenger lift on the ground floor of the historic building.

"Plans have been developed with our planning department, and agreed with Historic Environment Scotland to make sure the best solution for the building could be found.

"The contractor is due to start in July and the building will be closed to the public during this time."