The Scottish Government Planning Directorate noted the public benefit of enabling the repair of “a historic building of national significance’ and the ‘lack of known ownership … and the multiple attempts to identify an owner.”

There were no objections lodged against the compulsory purchase and ministers deemed it “proportionate and in the public interest” to proceed.

Designed by William Adam, the Category A-listed Mavisbank in Midlothian is one of the country’s longest-running conservation causes. 

Gutted by a fire in 1973, it was passed to three owners in 1981, who were probably fictitious. Since then, it has stayed in limbo. 

In 2003, it was a national finalist in the BBC’s ‘Restoration’ series, in which the public voted on buildings they most wanted to save.

In spite of sustained campaigning as well as a demolition order in 1987, no viable plan to save it had been identified until now.

Following the granting of the order, the vesting process will start soon and, through a back-to-back agreement with Midlothian Council, the building will be transferred to conservation charity The Landmark Trust.

Councillor Kelly Parry, council leader from Midlothian Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for Mavisbank House and for everyone who has worked tirelessly over the years to secure its future. 

“The Scottish Government’s confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order clears the way for this nationally significant building to be brought back from the brink and safeguarded for future generations.”

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.”

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “Mavisbank House is a building of outstanding importance to Scottish and UK heritage. 

“The National Heritage Memorial Fund awarded a grant to save it from being lost forever and to ensure it will be publicly accessible, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK.”

The fundraising campaign for the initial phase of the Landmark Trust’s two-phase rescue and restoration project for Mavisbank is presently underway.

This builds on a major £5.3m pledge from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. 

Work to fully secure and stabilise the building can start if the remaining 5% of funds can be raised in the next few months. 

Those wishing to contribute to the campaign can do so by clicking here.