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The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh |
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The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh |
In January, at a meeting with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Recreation department agreed to help with maintenance and upkeep of the observatory buildings and grounds. Dorothy Marsh was the CEC appointed manager for the observatory.
We received the draft of new terms of lease for the City Observatory, but this was returned to CEC Property Services as being unacceptable - particularly as the Society would have been responsible for insuring the observatory. A revised lease is awaited.
East of Scotland Water gave a written apology and a £900 refund to compensate for their inept handling of our water rates account. A water meter is to be installed and the City Council will look at the possibility of taking over the water rates. The Society will still be liable for the "ordinary" rates.
In April, new alarm systems were installed in the Playfair Building and the City Dome. Each key holder has a separate PIN number for the alarm.
The Conservation plan for the Calton Hill is available on line on the City Council's website (a link to it is in the 'links' page of our site).
The Society has only two paintings in its possession by our benefactor John Henry Lorimer but for some time these have been in storage in the City Arts Centre due to the continuing dry rot problem in the main building at the observatory. It is hoped that they may be loaned to the National Trust for Scotland for display in Kellie Castle (for many years the Lorimers' family home). If agreed it is likely that the loan will be for a period of 6 to 10 years. Ray Fenoulhet, treasurer of the ASE Trustees, is liaising with NTS on this matter.