Closure of NE Fife National Trust Sites
Posted by Menzies Campbell, MP for North East Fife, at 10:51, Tue 10 March 2009:
You will no doubt have heard that the National Trust for Scotland are going to close Cupar's Hill of Tarvit site and also Kellie Castle in the East Neuk.
It has been well known for some time that the National Trust needed restructuring. But properties like Hill of Tarvit and Kellie Castle make a vital contribution to the local economy quite apart from their cultural and historical significance.
I shall be writing to the National Trust asking for an explanation in relation to these two properties and making the case for their retention.
You may be interested in what my colleague Iain Smith MSP has said on the matter.
"This is devastating news for tourism and the local economy in North East Fife. Both of these sites play a significant role in tourism locally and the effects will undoubtedly be felt for a long to come.
"This is another example of how the recession is hitting us here and we must make every effort to support our local businesses to help weather the economic storm.
"In this year of the Homecoming it is very important that the attractions here in North East Fife remains intact."
It would be good to know what you think about this plan.
Best wishes
Menzies Campbell
Member of Parliament for North East Fife, 16 Millgate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5EG, fife_office@mingcampbell.org.uk, www.mingcampbell.org.uk
Comments
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Posted by ELIZABETH MARY SLACK, 11:23, Tue 10 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
As a Life Member of the English N.T., now living in Scotland, and so, one who believes that historic, beautiful and interesting properties should be preserved and looked after for the nation and for future generations, I was amazed and horrified to hear that the NTS plan to close not only Haddo House but Hill of Tarvit House and Kellie Castle, two of the three NTS properties in NE Fife. I cannot believe that those who handed over these properties to the care of the NTS and those volunteers and others who have worked tirelessly to preserve their fabric and contents would have been and would be happy that the NTS is taking this step. For some time now rumours of poor management have seeped out, rumours that one mostly discounted, but which, it seems may well be true. The closing, re-opening and now, I understand, closing of the NTS shop in St Andrews is a case in point, as is the fact that having just spent large sums on replacing the heating and some furnishings in Hill of Tarvit House and having re-ordered the contents of the house - not to its advantage, I may add - the Trust has now decided to close the house. I hope that wiser counsels will prevail and that the Trust will look again at its plans, "get its act together" , realise what priceless assets it has and work together with its equally priceless band of dedicated volunteers and supporters to keep these houses open. Had I just taken out a life membership or even a yearly membership of the NTS I would feel cheated to discover that entry to properties which I had presumed were included in my membership is now to be denied to me. E.M.Slack
Posted by Flora Selwyn, 12:21, Tue 10 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
May I thoroughly endorse everything that your correspondent Ms E.M.Slack has written. I find it extraordinary that the NTS should intend closing such iconic assets rather than putting on its collective thinking cap to find innovative ways to attract more visitors. The shop in St Andrews reopened without any publicity that I can remember, and as it's situation is none too obvious it offers an example of how not to attract the public. As Ms Slack suggests, there seems to be a problem with management. I hope very much that solutions will be forthcoming, and I wish Sir Menzies and Iain Smith MSP every success. Flora Selwyn
Posted by David Robson, 17:51, Tue 10 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
We visited Kellie Castle at every opportunity we had, even if it was to sit in the walled garden throughout the summer, when we lived in St Andrews. Hill of Tarvit is also a very special place with superb gardens.
We are very saddened to learn that they will no longer be available to the NTS member-custodians.
Posted by Dr John Topliss, 11:52, Thu 12 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
I was shocked to hear of the impending closure of Hill of Tarvit House and Kellie Castle. I am a member of NTS and have visited both these excellent venues on several occasions in the last couple of years.
I understand that underfunding due to diversion of lottery money to the London Olympics may be the source of the problem. I hope to hear more through the NTS AGM in Cupar this afternoon.
Dr John Topliss
Posted by Prof Mike Fedak, 18:38, Mon 16 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
This is indeed an unwelcome and ill advised decision. While we can all understand the need for cost savings, total closure seems a short-sighted option, especially considering recent investment in the Hill of Tarvit site. It would be better to look at imaginative ways of increasing the use of this valuable local amenity, perhaps involving a broadening residential use by those wishing to visit Fife.
Mike Fedak
Posted by David Robson, 06:13, Tue 17 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
If money is being used for the Olympics, I'm staggered, yet bemused. The UK is no longer in the premier league, (and perhaps struggling in the first division)- we must come to realise this and cut our cloth accordingly.
Posted by Menzies Campbell, 12:59, Thu 19 March 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Thank you all for responding. Your comments are very helpful. I will be meeting the Chief Executive of the National Trust For Scotland next week with our local MSP Iain Smith to discuss this matter and look for a way forward. I will report back in due course.
Best wishes
Ming
Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Member of Parliament for North East Fife.