JOBS at Helensburgh’s iconic Hill House will be saved after owners the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) received more than £3.4million in donations from around the world to their Save Our Scotland appeal.

More than 200 jobs were under threat at NTS sites across the country as the coronavirus pandemic continues to endanger livelihoods, with the charity saying back in May that it expected to lose almost £28m in visitor outcome, putting 19 of the 26 jobs at the Hill House and three of the five jobs at nearby Geilston Gardens at risk.

The Hill House is seen as one of creator Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s most famous works and is important for tourism to Helensburgh.

READ MORE: More than 20 jobs at risk at Hill House and Geilston Garden amid NTS cash crisis

And now jobs at the House have been saved as £3.4m was raised alongside a £3.8m support package from the Scottish Government, steering the charity out of an extremely financially challenging period.

A National Trust for Scotland spokesperson said: “We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to our charity’s Save Our Scotland campaign.

“The money raised will support all of the Trust’s properties, including the Hill House. This appeal, combined with generous Scottish Government funding, has also helped to save 200 jobs all over the country.

“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic put everything the Trust does to protect Scotland’s heritage in jeopardy. While we are still on the road to recovery, we are pleased to have re-opened the Hill House and lots of our other sites and we hope to see many visitors coming to enjoy this national treasure once again.”

READ MORE: Visitors return in thousands as Helensburgh's Hill House re-opens

Philip Long, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland said: “We asked our members, donors and the public to help us raise £2.5m to allow us to continue our crucial work in caring for and protecting Scotland’s built and natural heritage.

“They went much further than that, and to date we have been blessed with contributions of £3.4m. Without this financial support, the future of the Trust would be extremely uncertain.

“We’re overwhelmed, encouraged and extremely grateful for all the donations.

“The work we do to care for and protect everything that makes Scotland so special was in jeopardy, and while we’re still on the road to recovery, this support will now allow us to continue protecting Scotland’s heritage.”

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