The trust in charge of running Moat Brae in Dumfries shared their “deep sadness”.

The charity in charge of running the historic house which inspired the famous novel, Peter Pan, has announced it will close its doors due to financial pressures.

Moat Brae, styled as the “birthplace of Peter Pan”, which is now a visitor centre run by the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, is set to close later this month. 

The site, which also operates as Scotland’s National Centre for Children’s Books, announced the news on Thursday. 

In a statement, the charity said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the imminent closure of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust and Visitor Centre from Friday 23rd August 2024. 

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, members and many supporters of the Trust for their commitment in bringing the magic of books and storytelling to life for the thousands of visitors who have passed through the doors.

“Every possible effort and option have been explored by the Trustees and staff of the Moat Brae Peter Pan Trust, therefore it is with deep sadness that we announce the end of operations.

“Please do take the opportunity to visit our beautiful house and gardens as much as possible before the doors close for the final time on the 23rd.”

Moat Brae House in Dumfries was a site frequently visited by Peter Pan author JM Barrie during his time living in the town between 1873 and 1878. 

Barrie said he often visited Moat Brae and that the gardens were “enchanted lands” to him, going on to inspire the world of Peter Pan.

The site was only reopened as a literary centre in 2019 following over a decade of dedicated work by local people, who had saved Moat Brae from demolition in 2009. 

The site had been derelict between 1997 and 2009, before which it had operated as a nursing home. 

Despite this work, the visitor centre will close on August 23, as the Trust’s AGM takes place. 

The charity closed their statement with a quote from Peter Pan: “Never say goodbye because saying goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.”