Campbell and Smith call on NTS “Not to be hasty” in closure plan (Edinburgh Pentlands Liberal Democrats)

Edinburgh Pentlands Liberal Democrats <nm.gregory@btinternet.com>

Campbell and Smith call on NTS “Not to be hasty” in closure plan

April 10, 2009 5:27 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

North East Fife's MP Sir Menzies Campbell and MSP Iain Smith have written to the Chair of the National Trust for Scotland, Shonaig Macpherson, urging her "not to be hasty" is deciding to close Kellie Castle and Hill of Tarvit in North East Fife until local communities have had time to come up with alternative proposals and opportunities for the two properties.

Sir Menzies and Mr Smith, who met with the Chair recently, expressed their anxiety that the two properties remain open to the public due to their importance to the tourist industry in North East Fife and the important collections that they both house.

In their letter they said:

"We know that a decision is to be made about their future on the 23rd April and would urge you not to be hasty in any judgment to allow local communities the time to come up with alternative proposals and opportunities for these properties that would avoid full closure.

"We have been in touch with the Culture Minister in the Scottish Government about what help he can provide and it is clear that he is keen to help. If you have not already done so, it would be valuable to make contact with his office as soon as possible in order to ascertain what assistance he can give."

Sir Menzies and Mr Smith had previously written to the Scottish Government and Fife Council to explore what assistance they could offer the Trust, which operates at a deficit, until they are able to properly restructure.

Sir Menzies and Iain Smith were visiting Kingarrock Golf Course adjacent to the Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, which offers an authentic hickory golfing experience, and given a guided tour by owner David Anderson.

Commenting on the visit Sir Menzies said:

"This is a really imaginative tourist attraction. You get a real sense of history when you see the course and pick up the hickory clubs which are used for play.

"It is golf as our grandparents knew it and is very good fun. David Anderson and his team have really put their heart and soul into making this work."