← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Mavisbank House
07 December 2021
Lead MP
Owen Thompson
Midlothian
SNP
Responding Minister
Nigel Huddleston
Tags
EconomyScotlandCulture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 4006
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Owen Thompson raised concerns about mavisbank house in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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
Government Response
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.