There’s been further progress in plans to restore the iconic Category A-listed Bernat Klein Studio near Selkirk.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) has launched the search for a conservation design team to lead the next stage of the building’s restoration. The appointed team will be responsible for developing designs for the full restoration of Peter Womersley’s celebrated modernist building.
The project is being led by SHBT in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and the Bernat Klein Foundation. Together, the organisations formed the Bernat Klein Studio Coalition and secured ownership of the Studio in July 2025, following a successful public crowdfunding campaign which raised more than £33,000 in just over a week.
Significant work has continued since then, including understanding the condition of the building, protecting vulnerable parts of the structure and developing detailed plans for its future restoration.
Dedicated project teams have also been established to support conservation, fundraising, public engagement and project delivery, while opportunities for people to learn more about the Studio and its story are being expanded through talks, events and other activities.
The collaborative approach has already received national recognition, with the partnership shortlisted for Partnership of the Year at the Museums + Heritage Awards in London.
It’s an exciting next step for an internationally significant building here in the Scottish Borders, and we look forward to seeing the restoration plans continue to develop.
Information for this update comes from the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) website. Full information can be found here.
IMAGE CREDIT: MIKE BOLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
