A fundraising campaign has been launched in Dundee to encourage local people to help with the multi-million pound refurbishment of the McManus Galleries.

So far, funding totalling more than £9m has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund, Historic Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee City Council with £5m coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Those who contribute a £10 donation to the campaign can have their name entered into a special book while those giving than £100 will have their name included in the fabric of the building.

As part of the campaign, the Lord Provost John Letford hosted a civic reception at Dundee’s City Chambers to help local groups and organisations to take the fundraising message to as many people as possible.

The campaign is in addition to a specialist business appeal launched last year. Film star Brian Cox – who comes from Dundee – has also agreed to become an honorary patron of the galleries.

The galleries are currently closed for the refurbishment and are due to reopen in 2008. Details: www.mcmanus.co.uk