LOCAL MSP WELCOMES HILL OF TARVIT WORKING GROUP NEWS

12.00.00am GMT Mon 26th Oct 2009

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith has strongly welcomed the news that Hill of Tarvit Mansion, which closed earlier this year amid strong objections and criticism, could soon open its doors again, as it emerges that a working group is looking at the future of the property.

Iain Smith said:

"I am glad to see that a working group is looking at the future options for the Hill of Tarvit. The decision by the National Trust for Scotland to close the Mansion House was both short sighted and unnecessary as the savings they make from closing the property to the public are minute as the cost of maintenance remains.

"Serious thought must be given to reopening the Mansion House, at the very least on a seasonal basis, so that the opportunities to generate money are maximised. After all, people come to visit the gardens and the hickory golf course so with proper promotion and effective management the Mansion House could also draw visitors.

"The NTS must also be far more transparent about its finances, especially the cost of maintaining its properties and conserving its collections if effective solutions are to be found."