(Image: Rob McDougall)
The future of an historic house once described as Scotland’s most at risk building has been secured after Scottish Ministers confirmed its ownership would be taken over by Midlothian Council.
The local authority had launched a Compulsory Purchase Order on Mavisbank House, near Loanhead, after decades of campaigning to save it from ruin.
And this week the order was confirmed after Scottish Ministers ruled it was in the public interest to transfer it to the council after multiple attempts to identify an owner failed.
The announcement was welcomed by television presenter Griff Rhys Jones who presented the BBC Restoration series which saw Mavisbank House reach the national finals 20 years ago.
Griff said: “This is a building of huge architectural significance for Scotland. Thank goodness a resolution has finally been achieved. It could not now be in safer hands.”
Mavisbank House, Loanhead, Midlothian (Image: Rob McDougall)
Campaigners have been fighting to save the Category A listed building since fire ripped through it 50 years ago, almost burning it to the ground.
Its future was in doubt for decades until the National Heritage Memorial Fund announced a grant of £5.3m to historic buildings charity The Landmark Trust to rescue and stabilise the mansion two years ago sparking a bid by Midlothian Council to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order to take over the site.
Mavisbank House, just outside Edinburgh, was built by celebrated Scottish architect William Adam in 1723 as a summer residents for John Clerk of Penicuik, a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, and signatory of the Act of Union (1707).
Its design was a pioneering example of a neo-Classical style which William Adam's son Robert
Adam and others would develop for Edinburgh’s New Town a generation later.
A Midlothian Council spokesperson said the CPO had been arranged without any cost to the local authority who would now transfer the house to The Landmark Trust.
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Councillor Kelly Parry, council leader, said: ‘This is a landmark moment for Mavisbank House and for everyone who has worked tirelessly over the years
to secure its future.
“Mavisbank House is one of Scotland’s most important architectural treasures, and after decades of uncertainty, we can now look forward with confidence to seeing it protected and given a sustainable future.
“‘The council was proud to use its compulsory purchase powers to help unlock this opportunity. With legal arrangements in place to transfer ownership to The Landmark Trust, we are delighted that the restoration can now move forward.
“This multi-million pound project offers significant potential for investment in Midlothian. It is not only about saving an exceptional historic building, but about creating a lasting legacy for Midlothian and ensuring Mavisbank can once again play a valued role in the life of our communities.”
The Landmark Trust has been working with the council, Historic Environment Scotland, the Mavisbank Trust and others to find a solution to save Mavisbank for nearly a decade.
Dr Anna Keay, Director of the Landmark Trust said: ‘This is a thrilling breakthrough for the project to save Mavisbank.
“The curse of the missing ‘owners’ has bedevilled Mavisbank for 40 years and has finally been broken.
“The Landmark Trust applauds Midlothian Council’s pursuit of the CPO, and stands ready to receive the derelict house and to start work on stabilisation, ensuring it can be safeguarded for everyone to enjoy.”