Recent Project Achievements
In late 2017 the Mavisbank Trust secured funding of £26,000 from the Dunard Fund and HES and commissioned a laser survey of the house and a drone survey of the grounds in order to create a digital terrain model of Mavisbank. This innovative work, together with the associated programme of documentary research and archaeological interpretation, provided a wealth of detailed information that will support future restoration work. As a consequence, during 2018-19 the Trust was able to prepare a number of very accurate digital reconstructions of the exterior of Mavisbank house and its landscape as they might have appeared around 1750, in addition to visualisations of several of the main interior rooms at that time.
The partners continued the previous year's programme of events to help develop the involvement of the local community with the Mavisbank project and to encourage access to the grounds. The work was progressed further by the Trust during 2018-19 through its support of a seven-month, part-time, Mavisbank Community Engagement Officer post which was housed and managed by Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust. A community engagement strategy and action plan were put in place which delivered a successful programme of local events and activities that increased awareness, understanding and pride in Mavisbank's history and heritage.
Other work by the partners included the stabilisation of a landslip close to the doocot, drainage works and vegetation clearance within the grounds by HES, as well as the repair and replacement of a Mavisbank interpretation panel by the Trust.
Partner organisations, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and The Landmark Trust, are working together to develop a fresh approach to saving the landscape and buildings of this important historic site. The Save Mavisbank project creates an experienced and influential team that can build on all the work done by the Mavisbank Trust to deliver a realistic, pragmatic project that is inclusive of the community in which it sits.
The Save Mavisbank project was invited to submit an application for funding to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Heritage Horizon Awards, to compete for a share of £50m funding. HES and The Landmark Trust have now submitted an application, with funding decisions due being made in mid-2021.
