Efforts to save one of Aberdeen’s most significant historic buildings have intensified, as concerns grow over the rapidly deteriorating condition of the A-listed Westburn House.
The 19th-century property, designed in 1839 by renowned Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson, has now lain empty for more than 25 years. Despite multiple attempts to bring the building back into use, its condition has continued to worsen, prompting renewed calls for Aberdeen City Council to outline a clear plan for its restoration.
Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, has written to the council’s Chief Executive urging immediate action to prevent the landmark from being lost to future generations.
Mr Stewart said many constituents were increasingly alarmed at the state of the structure: “Westburn House has been derelict for a very long time, and this Archibald Simpson-designed building is deteriorating at a rapid rate. It would be a travesty if this important part of our city’s heritage is lost.”
Westburn House was acquired by the council in 1901, but has remained vacant since 1998. Over the years, proposals have included transforming it into a wedding venue, a costume museum and a registry office, yet none progressed to completion.
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Concerns escalated significantly in 2019, when parts of the roof were reported to be collapsing and vandals caused further damage. External inspections have since categorised the building’s condition as “Very Poor”, with visible structural decline and widespread deterioration.
Mr Stewart added that previous correspondence with the council had produced “pretty poor responses”, and he is now pressing for a “clear and actionable plan” to safeguard the historic structure.
Westburn House remains one of Aberdeen’s most architecturally important surviving villas, and campaigners fear time may be running out to preserve it.
