Campaign launched to safeguard Scott's home

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:13:00 GMT

A new campaign to save the historic home of Sir Walter Scott has been announced, the BBC revealed.

The future of Abbotsford House, in the south of Scotland, has been uncertain since the death of Scott's last direct descendant. Since Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott died four years ago, the house has been run by executors - and the future of the building under discussion.

Previous reports suggested that an estimated £10m would be needed to preserve the Borders tourist attraction, approximately 35 miles from Edinburgh, for the enjoyment of future generations - without which the house would face imminent closure.

Speaking to the BBC in 2006, Abbotsford administrator Jacquie Wright said:

"It is a major visitor attraction in the Borders without a doubt," she said. "He was the world's first best-selling author."

"It's a sort of place of pilgrimage for many people."

Edinburgh-born Sir Walter Scott stayed in Abbotsford House from 1824 until his death in 1832 and the building now attracts about 30,000 visitors a year.

A new organisation, the Abbotsford Trust, would aim to ensure a long-term future for the property as one of Scotland's top tourist attractions. Proposals to preserve and enhance the building as well as developing additional offering for visitors are expected to be announced by the trust.

Plans by Kelso-based property developers M&J Ballantyne proposing a housing development opposite Abbotsford House were rejected by the Scottish Government last year.

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Campaign launched to safeguard Scott's home