Campaigners have laboured for decades to save the architectural gem from collapse following a catastrophic fire 50 years ago. Its terrible condition and uncertain ownership have left the ‘Category A’ masterpiece in a derelict and highly perilous state.

The Landmark Trust has been working with Midlothian Council, Historic Environment Scotland, the Mavisbank Trust and others to identify a viable solution to Mavisbank’s woes for many years, and made the application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund in January 2024 believing the house met the criteria of being of “outstanding importance to the national heritage”.

The grant will enable Landmark to pursue phase one of a fresh plan to give Mavisbank House a vibrant and sustainable future.

The vital first phase will see the crumbling building and pavilions stabilised before any more historic fabric falls away, enable up-to-date condition surveys and resolve the long-standing ownership and access issues.

A second phase is planned to involve the restoration of the house with extensive opportunities for people to learn traditional skills and follow the work in progress. The end use is expected to be a mixture of accommodation for short residential stays and public access, including regular free open days.

The grant is the major enabler in a funding package which also includes £1.338m raised to date from various other sources, including the Landmark Trust’s own funds. In order to complete the project a further £1.162m must be raised.

Dr Anna Keay, director of the Landmark Trust, said the grant award is a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”.

“Experts are clear that if something couldn’t happen right now, then the building would not only continue to fall down but it would probably have to be demolished for safety reasons.”

She described Mavisbank as “the equivalent of a painting by Henry Raeburn or Allan Ramsay” and “an amazing work of art”.

Dr Keay added: “When the New Town was being built a generation later, it looked like it did because of its influence.”

Anna Eavis, chairwoman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund panel, said: “Mavisbank House is a building of outstanding importance to Scottish and UK national heritage and the National Heritage Memorial Fund is delighted to make this award to save it.”