Michael Dougall

Michael Dougall who is the architect in charge of Prestwick's Freeman's Hall and the Salt Pans Project came to speak to us about the progress of regenerating both sights. 

The hall was built  in 1837 and used to have a steeple which was dismantled in 2011 for safety reasons. The ground floor was initially used as a prison and the first floor as a school which accommodated about 60 children. 

Michael is part of O’DonnellBrown, an architectural practice which specialises in working with existing buildings and community groups. He said they are considering possible uses for the building and are looking at options to replace the steeple with a modern version. The hall could be used as a Health and Welbeing Centre.

Proposals are looking at the council building to the left of the hall and the land behind them to be included in the redevelopment of the hall. Three possible versions of the new Steeple are being examined as a replacement tower.

Michael then went on to talk about the Salt Pan Houses which were built in 1760 for the salt boiling industry and stand on St Nicholas Golf Course. Known as the Maryburgh Salt Works he said there was accommodation on the first floor and salt production on the ground floor. Woman would bring pails of sea water from the shore which they boiled and evaporated the water leaving the salt which was scraped away to be sold off. Michaels team are looking at ways of preserving these old buildings which are in a sorry state.

The talk from Michael was very passionate and informative about two of Prestwick's local iconic building and went down well with his Prestwick Rotary audience.