The work to restore the Market House is almost complete, the scaffolding which has hidden the iconic building in the centre of the town has been removed and the last minute touches and tweaks are being given to ensure this historic building will continue to stand proudly at the heart of Ross.

In addition to the exterior work, most noticeably to the clock tower, there has been work inside as well. Electrical work to replaces electric lights with LED lighting will ensure that even on gloomy winter evenings the clock tower will be a well lit beacon.

And an anonymous donor has funded the installation of new strip lighting and spotlights inside for Made in Ross, the arts and crafts gallery on the first floor of the Market House.The rescue followed a visit from Councillor Ed O’Driscoll and Made in Ross partner, The Hereford Courtyard. With the scaffolding also coming down, the gallery expects to return to normal after a period of poor sales.

Mosaic artist, Rosie Callinan, said: “People didn’t know we were open, despite the notices we put up. We still had our regulars who found the entrance gate in the scaffolding.”

Lighting in the gallery had deteriorated, with many of the ceiling lights not working and unrepairable, and the prospect of Made in Ross not remaining open in the darker winter months.

Installation of the new lighting was completed in record time and the gallery members are thrilled with the results. There has been lots of dusting and cleaning going on and every thing can be seen in its full glory again.