Feb 24, 2014

Improvements are being made to the existing riverside path at Polton, with a new gate access and path created within the Mavisbank grounds linking to the upper section of the south drive and the House.

Work begins today to upgrade paths and provide a new pedestrian access into the grounds of Mavisbank House at Loanhead in Midlothian. For many years there has been no formal or easy way for the public to enter the beautiful, but degraded, designed landscape of one of Scotland’s most important historic buildings.  Mavisbank was designed and built between 1723-36 as a collaboration between Sir John Clerk of Penicuik and his architect William Adam but, following a devastating fire in 1973, the House has since lain in ruin.

Improvements are being made to the existing riverside path at Polton, with a new gate access and path created within the Mavisbank grounds linking to the upper section of the south drive and the House. The work is being carried out by the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust on behalf of the Mavisbank Trust with funding secured from the European Community Tyne Esk LEADER 2007-13 programme, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Environmental Improvement Funds of five councillors from Midlothian Council’s Bonnyrigg and Midlothian West wards.

Historic Scotland and Midlothian Council are currently working in partnership with both Trusts to develop plans and seek funding to restore Mavisbank House and open the grounds to the community.

Chris Lewis, a Mavisbank Trust Trustee and Chief Executive of the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust said, ‘As a small step towards the longer term plans for Mavisbank, we are delighted that the local community and walkers on the North Esk Valley Way will be able to access the grounds safely and enjoy what has been a hidden gem for far too long.’

The improvement works are expected to last for 2-3 weeks and the Trust asks that the public to bear with them as there may be periods when access along the riverside path is limited for safety reasons whilst its contractors work on the very narrow section from the bridge at Polton to the Mavisbank grounds, in the direction of Lasswade. Unfortunately, there is no suitable diversion other than via Loanhead or Polton Bank.