Linda Fabiani, MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture today has announced the decision to take forward a £2m stabilisation programme for Mavisbank House in Loanhead, Midlothian.

The Minister also announced that Historic Scotland will pursue compulsory acquisition of the House and will explore how greater public benefit can be gained from its ownership of the policies - the large area of designed landscape which the House overlooks.

The stabilisation measures, which include erecting a temporary roof on Mavisbank House, will arrest the deterioration of this historically significant category A-Listed house and secure its immediate future.

The Minister said: "I look forward to Historic Scotland progressing with the stabilisation programme and liaising with interested groups about its management of the policies. I hope it will ignite interest in Mavisbank House from across Scotland and encourage further interest in the retention and sustainability of the building."

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Alex Hammond-Chambers, Chairman of the Mavisbank Trust, said: "We are delighted that Historic Scotland has taken such positive action and a major step forward on the long road to saving Mavisbank. The Trust is keen to continue working with the Agency and other partners to secure a viable and long-term future for what has become a national icon."

Councillor Adam Montgomery, Provost of Midlothian and Trustee of Mavisbank Trust said: "Midlothian Council is fully aware of the importance of Mavisbank House and has supported ongoing efforts over the years to restore the house to its former glory and I appreciate the support shown by the Minister. We welcome this decision to take forward the stabilisation programme and hope that it will generate further interest and investment in Mavisbank House."

Historic Scotland owns the policies around the House. The present owners of Mavisbank have to date proved untraceable, despite various efforts over a long period and previous work on the site has had to be carried out under emergency powers. To overcome this unsatisfactory position, Historic Scotland therefore now also intends to seek ownership of the property through compulsory purchase.

(GK/JM)