Mavisbank shot to fame in 2003 by becoming one of the finalists in the first series of BBC2's 'Restoration'. Selection as one of six Scottish sites in the competitions, Mavisbank captured the Nation's heart, winning votes not just from Edinburgh region, but from supporters throughout the UK. Sadly, the house fell short of capturing the number of votes needed to win the competition, missing out on an estimated £3.5 million prize.
However, the programme and tremendous publicity acted as a catalyst to spur on the project; the support we received throughout the campaign and afterwards was inspiring. We’d like to thank everyone who offered (and continue to offer) their support, donations, stories and memories as a result of the BBC Restoration Series.
The Restoration Project
Following the completion of a feasibility study undertaken by the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (then Edinburgh Green Belt Trust), the Mavisbank Trust was formed as a subsidliary charitable company in order to take the project forward. In early 2004, the new trust embarked on the production of a development plan to explore ways in which the House and grounds could be restored. This was supported by grants totalling £63,750 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund and Midlothian Council.
Professional Team
The development work was project managed on behalf of the Mavisbank Trust by the Cockburn Conservation Trust, working closely with a professional team led by Simpson & Brown, a well-known company specialising in architectural conservation. The professional team carried out a series of architectural, landscape and environmental surveys that resulted in a conservation plan for the building and a development plan that put forward proposals for the future use of the house and designed landscape.
Long Term Future
The development work carried out has been used by the Mavisbank Trust to identify a long-term solution for the building's survival and to form the basis for the major grant applications that will be required to raise an estimated £15M to enable the restoration work to proceed.
The principle aims of the Mavisbank Trust are to achieve the following objectives, which will help to secure the future of the house and grounds, for the enjoyment of future generations by:
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Re-associating Mavisbank House with its grounds and wider landscape setting by restoring both; creating a local community park for both recreational and educational enjoyment.
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Opening up Mavisbank as an important site on a network of footpaths and cycleways along the valley of the North Esk, potentially linking Penicuik House, Roslin Glen, Roslin Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, the Bilston Glen Viaduct, Melville Castle and Dalkeith Country Park.
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Providing new direct access to the House and policies from the main road
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Providing a sustainable long-term use for the restored House
To achieve these objectives, proposed restoration and new work includes:
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Partial restoration of the grounds
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Creation of a new access point
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Creation of a small car parking area
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Footpath improvements
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Restoration of the shell of the house and pavilions
Internet fit-out of the house to accomodate a mix of uses, e.g. short-term holiday accommodation, interpretation and community rooms, small office spaces
Community Participation
Throughout the process, both the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust and the Mavisbank Trust have engaged with the local community to inform and help develop the plans for Mavisbank. As a consequence, support for the proposals put forward in the development plan has been very strong, with the exception of a small group of residents living close to the site.
Following the initial feasibility study, Scottish Participatory Initiatives (SPI) were commissioned in 2003 to carry out an independent on-street survey and a community workshop to gather local knowledge, opinions and ideas regarding the draft proposals for Mavisbank. The surveys reflected the knowledge and views of a cross-section of local people and organisations and these were used to help formulate the development plan process.
Following the production of the Conservation and Development Plan in 2006, the Trust held a very well attended drop-in exhibition in Loanhead and carried out a mailshot questionnaire survey to every household in the surrounding area. SPI were also commissioned to undertake work with local schools.
To see copies of the research findings of the 2003 workshop and on-street surveys, and the 2006 questionnaire survey,, please click here.
Recent Development
For many years the question of ownership of the house and its policies has been a major issue in preventing the project being progressed. Whilst the grounds are the property of Historic Scotland, the house itself is in unknown ownership and the access drives are in private hands. As the major landowner at Mavisbank and national heritage agency, these difficulties have given rise to considerable legal and financial implications for Historic Scotland and the Trust’s proposals cannot be developed further without them as a willing partner.
However, after several years deliberation and the commissioning of its own consultancy study, in July 2008 the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture announced the decision to take forward a £2m stabilisation programme for Mavisbank House. This included pursuing the compulsory acquisition of the House, stabilisation measures and erecting a temporary roof to prevent the further deterioration of the building.
In addition, Historic Scotland is to explore how greater public benefit can be gained from its ownership of the policies. To see the press release, please click here.
Since the development proposals were made by the Mavisbank Trust in 2005, the funding climate for major restoration projects has changed dramatically. Grant sources such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland have largely dried up and major corporate funding in the current recession is unlikely. Despite this, the Mavisbank Trust is still working hard to build a partnership of potential funders from other sources. Mavisbank’s inclusion on the World Monument Fund’s 2008 list of the 100 most endangered historical sites in the world has provide further impetus to its efforts.
