LORRAINE Kelly has backed a campaign to save Britain’s first purpose-built public observatory from closure.
Mills Observatory in Dundee faces being shut as part of a cost-saving exercise which would also see Broughty Castle Museum and Caird ParkGolf Course in the city closed down.
Leisure and Culture Dundee has launched a six-week public consultation over the future of the tourist attractions.
BreakfasttelevisionstarLorraine, who lived in Dundee for many years, has urged people to help protect the observatory by signing a petition which has already attracted more than 1,400 signatures.
Lorraine, 64, who fell in love with the facility after being taken there by her dad as a child, said: “We must save this wonderful observatory.”
Speaking previously about the observatory, she said: “There’s something magical about entering the building which stands in woodland at the top of Balgay Hill near the city centre, but feels like another world.
“It is hugely atmospheric and a place to feed children’s imaginations, enthuse anyone interested in space and hugely gratify local and visiting experts.”
Margaret Brown, the widow of former Astronomer Royal for Scotland Professor John Brown, has also backed the petition.
She said: “My late husband was a great supporter of the Mills Observatory.
“He recognised and encouraged the enthusiasm and expertise of those working there.
“It is an extremely valuable resource for the people of Dundee and visitors from afar. Astronomy inspires old and young.
“So much is being discovered and reported on by the media. But at the observatory, people can see so much for themselves.
“It is an amazing historic building and should be improved and preserved as an active facility.”
A report presented to councillors said closing Mills Observatory, which was opened in 1935 and had 6,654 visitors last year, would save £40,000 annually.
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “Proposing to close services and properties is not something that we do lightly as we understand the attachment that users and communities will have to them.
“At the same time, in the face of severe budget pressures we have a responsibility to focus our shrinking public funds on where they make the biggest difference to all of our citizens.
“Before any final decisions are taken, it is essential that we and Leisure and Culture Dundee understand what implementing these proposals would mean for users and the wider community.”