A popular tourist attraction in Dumfries is to be given a security upgrade.
The Observatory, associated with Dumfries Museum, is to have protective bars and shutters installed.
As this is a historic building, the planned alterations must go before Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning committee next Wednesday for councillors to approve.
Council planning papers state: “The application seeks listed-building consent for the installation of iron bars to one external window on the rear elevation and internal retractable shutters to main entrance door.
“The works are proposed in order to upgrade the security of the building.
The proposed retractable shutters would be fixed internally and within the existing recess of the doorway.”
The world’s oldest working Camera Obscura is on the top floor of the windmill tower at Dumfries Museum. Originally an astronomical instrument, it was installed in 1836 when the windmill was converted into an observatory.
From it you can see a fascinating panoramic view of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside. Visitors have been unable to view the Camera Obscura recently. A notice on the DG Culture website explains why: “The Camera Obscura will be closed until late February 2024 while important works take place on the exterior of the tower. To preserve this early 19th century instrument, Camera Obscura presentations are not possible during wet weather or strong winds.
“We expect Camera Obscura to be open again from late February 2024.”
