An abandoned former asylum near Edinburgh could be saved after the council announced a compulsory purchase order.
The historic Mavisbank House, near Lasswade, was built in the early 17th century and is internationally renowned. According to a website dedicated to the structure, it is the most important small country house in Scotland.
It was designed and constructed in the 1720’s in a collaboration between Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, and architect William Adam.
READ MORE: Scottish granny vows to keep old Corsa despite winning £100K supercar Porsche
Following a fire in 1973 the house, which is in unknown ownership, has remained an unstable ruin and its designed landscape largely neglected and difficult to access.
Since it was first constructed, the grand estate went onto become an asylum in the 1800s due to its secluded and picturesque location. In recent weeks, Midlothian Council agreed to use its compulsory purchase powers to help secure a future for Mavisbank - a Catgeory A-Listed building.
A compulsory purchase means Midlothian Council can buy the building without consent from the owner.
However, the council say they will only do so once The Lankmark Trust, who rescue important historic buildings, has a "viable funding package in place." They added how any cost incurred by the council in carrying out the compulsory purchase will be covered by the trust.
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for economic development, Councillor Douglas Bowen said: "The council has long supported the restoration of Mavisbank House, which has rightly been described as an architectural gem. However, given the council’s current financial position, we are limited in the support we can give."
Creepy pictures taken over the years show the historic in buildings as the structure has suffered significant damage due to decades of neglect. Much of the boundary around the house is fenced off for safety reasons.
Sign up to our Edinburgh Live nostalgia newsletters for more local history and heritage content straight to your inbox
The building's windows have been boarded and the structure has suffered significant damage including the loss of floors and a roof protecting the interior from the elements. Despite this, Mavisbank House basks in spectacular surroundings with some well kept areas of greenery.
In July 2021, we reported how the Mavisbank Trust were left devastated after funding to restore the building was denied. After applying for different grants on a number of different occasions, the Trust's plans to see the house turned into self-catering accommodation were put on hold.
For more information on the history of Mavisbank and for future updates regarding the restoration process, you can visit the Mavisbank House website here.
READ NEXT:
Furious man who built 6ft wall outside his home for 'privacy' ordered to remove it
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home issue urgent appeal for food bank supplies
Giovanna Fletcher praises Edinburgh eatery as she avoids Arthur's Seat for safety reason
Edinburgh flat in former whisky warehouse with views of Arthur's Seat hits market
Susan Boyle's doctor boyfriend and weight loss after Britain's Got Talent fame
