Ruin’s de-listing slammed as ‘quite extraordinary’

Published on 11/02/2013 12:00

Locals have expressed concern over the possible demolition of 17th century ruins recently de-listed by Historic Scotland.

Dunbar House in Lochend Woods was largely destroyed by fire in 1859 and the national organisation has now ruled the remains are “too fragmentary and ruinous” to merit A-list status.

One of the house’s classical archways has already been removed and re-erected at Leithen Lodge in the Scottish Borders.

The one remaining wall of the former mansion has now been fenced off to keep members of the public away due to the risk of collapse.

Stephen Bunyan, chair of Dunbar Community Council, called the de-listing of the building “quite extraordinary”, and said that works should be done to restore it, adding: “It’s a very important historical relic here.”

He added that he felt the removal of the archway had been “an intolerable piece of vandalism”.