ARCHITECTURE The future of historic Mavis Bank House, once described as Scotland’s most at risk building, is secured. Scots Ministers confirm ownership will be taken over by Midlothian Council. Mavisbank House, near Edinburgh, was built by celebrated Scottish architect William Adam in 1723 as a summer residence for John Clerk of Penicuik, a leading figure of the Enlightenment, and signatory of the Act of Union (1707). Its design was a pioneering example of a neo-Classical style which William Adam’s son Robert Adam and others would develop for Edinburgh’s New Town a generation later. The local authority had launched a Compulsory Purchase Order after decades of campaigning to save it from ruin. And this week the order was confirmed after Scottish Ministers ruled it was in the public interest to transfer it to the council after multiple attempts to identify an owner failed. The announcement was welcomed by television presenter Griff Rhys Jones who presented the BBC Restoration series which saw Mavisbank House reach the national finals 20 years ago. Griff said: “This is a building of huge architectural significance for Scotland. Thank goodness a resolution has finally been achieved. It could not now be in safer hands.” Campaigners have been fighting to save the Category A listed building since fire ripped through it 50 years ago, almost burning it to the ground. Its future was in doubt for decades until the National Heritage Memorial Fund announced a grant of £5.3m to historic buildings charity The Landmark Trust to rescue and stabilise the mansion two years ago sparking a bid by Midlothian Council to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order to take over the site.