Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Mavisbank House

07 December 2021 · 0 other contributors · 4,006 words

Opened by Owen Thompson SNP Midlothian

Responding minister: Nigel Huddleston

Scotland

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Owen Thompson raised concerns about mavisbank house in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Owen Thompson is concerned about the deteriorating state of Mavisbank House, a category A listed building near Loanhead in Midlothian.
  • Mr Thompson highlights the historical significance of Mavisbank House, which is considered Scotland's first Palladian villa and has connections to the Scottish Enlightenment and the slave trade.
  • Mr Thompson asks the Minister to meet him and representatives from Save Mavisbank to discuss funding assistance for the restoration of the house.

Key requests to Government

Mr Owen Thompson asks the Minister to meet him and representatives from Save Mavisbank to discuss how they can support the restoration of Mavisbank House. He seeks funding assistance beyond the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has rejected their bid twice.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Owen Thompson SNP Midlothian

Mr Owen Thompson is concerned about the deteriorating state of Mavisbank House, a category A listed building near Loanhead in Midlothian. The house, considered Scotland's first Palladian villa and a crucial piece of architectural history from the early 18th century, stands neglected and gutted due to decades of neglectful ownership. Mr Thompson highlights its historical significance, including connections to the Scottish Enlightenment and involvement in the slave trade. He also mentions the Save Mavisbank project aiming to restore the house with environmental, health, economic, and cultural benefits for Midlothian.

Government Response

Nigel Huddleston

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. I thank the hon. Member for Midlothian (Owen Thompson) for securing this debate on Mavisbank House, an important heritage site in Scotland and the UK. Since its construction by Sir John Clerk and William Adam during the Scottish Enlightenment, Mavisbank has been a testament to the country's history and culture. However, the house is now at risk due to disrepair. The National Lottery Heritage Fund rejected funding for Mavisbank House through the heritage horizon award due to competition from more transformative projects like the Cairngorms national park authority, which received £12.5 million. Despite this setback, other options remain available, such as the National Heritage Memorial Fund and conversations with the Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland.

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