The restored Powis Gates of Old Aberdeen have acquired another accolade with a national Green Apple Award for built environment and architectural heritage, in the scheme organised by The Green Organisation.
In October, the Powis Gates project was awarded a commendation by the Aberdeen Civic Society in its 2007 Awards.
Partnership between the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Heritage Trust has now resulted in this distinctive landmark of Old Aberdeen being restored to its former glory. Designed as a gateway to Powis House, the gates are a reminder of the grandeur of the Powis Estate. They now form the entrance to the University's Crombie and Johnston Halls of Residence from College Bounds.
Powis Gates were erected by John Leslie of Powis in 1834 and have a design that could have been inspired by Turkish architecture. Partly stone, partly harled brickwork, the skinny minaret-like towers are capped with slated turrets bearing gold-leafed orbs and crescent finials; the crescent being part of the Fraser Leslie coat of arms.
Original construction coincided with the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 that outlawed slavery in the British Colonies from 1 August 1834, and a shield at the back of the gates carries busts of three black slaves commemorating the freedom of slaves on the family's Jamaican plantations.
The University has completed the restoration work with support from Aberdeen City Heritage Trust under its Historic Building Repair Grant Scheme. The project included structural repairs, reroofing, repointing, reharling and limewashing. Works were carried out using traditional techniques and materials that impart an authenticity and visible quality.
Heritage Trust Project Officer, Douglas Campbell said: "The Heritage Trust was delighted to contribute to the restoration of this unusual landmark, which makes a striking contribution to the architectural and historic heritage of Old Aberdeen and the City.
"We commend the University on its commitment to ensuring that its historic buildings are cared for into the future."
Director of Estates for the University, Angus Donaldson said: "We are delighted that support from the Heritage Trust has enabled us to complete this unique and interesting restoration of a fascinating feature, and that this work is now being recognised with these awards.
"We are very pleased with what we have achieved to date in the King's College Conservation Project, and the support we have received from University supporters and our local community. This is helping to ensure that these treasures are preserved for new generations of students, local people and visitors from around the world for many years to come.
"Our next project will be to use sensitive restoration work, using traditional methods and materials, on the distinctive Crown Tower of the King's College Chapel."
An image of the Crown Tower by architect Sir Basil Spence was this week voted the third most 'treasured place' in Scotland in the national competition run by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.