Expressions of interest are being encouraged to appoint a new tenant operator for Aberdeen’s historic Glover House.
Located in Bridge of Don, the Category B Listed granite building has long been associated with Fraserburgh-born Thomas Blake Glover (1838-1911), described as the founding father of Japan’s economic miracle, after his family purchased the property in 1864.
After the house was gifted to the Council by Glover’s company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI Ltd), ownership was transferred to the Grampian-Japan Trust (now Glove House Trustees Ltd) and the house was subsequently opened as a museum that celebrated Thomas Blake Glover’s life.
Following the appointment of new directors to Glover House Trustees Ltd, Aberdeen City Council, on behalf of the trust, wish to appoint a new tenant operator for the building with a view to looking at options for the future use of the building.
A spokesperson on behalf of Glover House Trustees Ltd said: “Glover House is an important piece of Aberdeen’s history and the momentous achievements of Thomas Blake Glover and the significant impact he had on the Japanese economy should continue to be celebrated.
“It is hoped a new tenant operator can breathe new life into the historic building and the trust is looking forward to exploring and discussing the expressions of interest they hope to receive.”
Submitted proposals will need to meet specific conditions including one related to the usage of the property which states it can only be used as “a cultural heritage centre commemorating the historic links between Japan and the North-east of Scotland in the person of Thomas Blake Glover and as an educational resource”.
Full details can be found on the Public Contracts Scotland website: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL510621
Thomas Blake Glover’s contribution to Japan’s industrialisation includes the introduction of the first railway locomotive and first mint; mechanisation of coalmines; the founding of the Japanese Navy; and modernisation of the shipbuilding industry. His own company grew into Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd . He was known as the 'Scottish Samurai' and was the first non-Japanese person to be awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun. He died on 16 December 1911 in Tokyo.