Listed building put on sale by cash-strapped council

A HISTORIC council-owned property in Haddington is being placed on the market to shore up council finances.

East Lothian Council plans to sell 18th century Alderston House to help offset Scottish Governnment cutbacks.

A local authority spokeswoman confirmed: "Changes in UK public sector finances will impact upon the council in coming years. To protect services and improve our capacity to adapt, we have been looking at ways to improve cost control and reduce the cost of services that do not directly impact our customers.

"One way identified is to reduce the number of council buildings within the Haddington area - including Alderston House."

The listed building was built in 1788.

Privately-owned Alderston Garden Lodge and Alderston Walled Garden next door have been on the market since late last year at offers over 2.4 million.