A major obstacle to saving William Adam’s Category A masterpiece – the most important building at risk in the UK – had been the lack of access following the sale of the original drives in the mid to late 20th century. The building was left landlocked and, without a known owner, made repairs almost impossible. Previous attempts to identify and gain consent for an access route have all failed.

At the planning committee on 28 April, following a site visit, Midlothian councillors voted by a two-thirds majority to approve the application for a new drive.

The route through the historic landscape was developed by local consultation and follows a long section of the historic east drive, allowing glimpses of Mavisbank along its course. Extensive ecology and tree survey work was undertaken to identify a route which removes no veteran trees and minimises impacts on flora and fauna. Following advice from statutory consultees, the planning officer had recommended the proposal for approval.

With planning consent for the drive secured, and planning and listed building consent for repairs to the house already in place, the Compulsory Purchase of Mavisbank can now proceed. This will enable the Landmark Trust to stabilise and repair the ruinous house, supported by a grant of £5.3 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and further grants and philanthropic donations.

Dr Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured planning permission for a new drive to Mavisbank. For forty years the lack of access to the house has been a major impediment to any rescue project. Now, at long last, a solution has been found. We at Landmark are deeply grateful to all those who have worked with us to identify and enable this route.”

Saving Mavisbank

Phase one of the project to save Mavisbank - ‘Rescue’ - involves the compulsory purchase of the ruinous shell, the creation of an access drive and urgent repairs and stabilisation. These will address the major defects, including subsidence, that have arisen following the catastrophic fire in the 1970s and the subsequent 50 years of decay.

At the end of this phase, the surviving structure will be stable and safe for managed public access. This will provide the essential basis from which the Landmark Trust can pursue phase two – ‘Restore’ - in which the charity hopes to reroof and refloor the house, bringing it fully back to life.

Thanks to the National Heritage Memorial Fund’s support, and the generosity of many supporters, the Landmark Trust and Midlothian Council will pursue the Compulsory Purchase of Mavisbank, before Landmark embarks on the repair and stabilisation of the standing remains.

A second phase is planned to involve the restoration of the house with extensive opportunities for people to learn traditional skills and follow the work in progress. The end use is expected to be a mixture of accommodation for short residential stays and public access, including regular free open days.

The National Heritage Memorial Fund grant of £5.3m was the major enabler in a funding package which also includes £1.5m raised to date from generous supporters and the Landmark Trust’s own funds. A further £942,000 is still needed to complete the project – the last 12% - toward which Historic Environment Scotland has given the green light for a maximum grant application of £500,000.