Emergency funding granted to protect former home of Walter Scott

One of the Scottish Borders most famous stately homes will receive a six-figure grant to survive the coronavirus pandemic, it has been announced.

Abbotsford House, formerly Sir Walter Scott's home, closed its doors to the public on March 20 following government guidelines.

The £224,200 Heritage Emergency Fund will help pay for a range of essential day-to-day costs including salaries, utilities, garden upkeep and security of the historic property, near Melrose.

Abbotsford Trust says 70,000 people from all over the world are estimated to have visited the home in 2019.

However, the absence of visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic means the charity could lose £350,000 or more this year.

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Giles Ingram, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “Abbotsford is not only one of Scotland’s most significant heritage icons, it is also a crucial linchpin to supporting the local and regional economy across the whole of the South of Scotland.

“Although we still anticipate there may be tough times ahead for us, the Heritage Emergency Fund grant is helping us to look to the future with more confidence.

"We can’t wait to welcome our visitors, friends and neighbours back again and are carefully following announcements from the Scottish Government for guidance on when we can re-open.”