Mystery as Europe's biggest man-made hole is sold-off

A VEIL of secrecy yesterday surrounded the potential new owner of Europe's largest man-made hole.

At noon the sale of Rubislaw Quarry, the landmark that provided the stone that made Aberdeen the "Granite City", officially closed after being put on the market last month with an asking price of only 30,000.

The 466ft-deep crater on the edge of the city's plush West End was put up for sale by Bixen, an overseas-based company, which suggested that potential buyers will be able to turn the disused quarry into a tourist attraction or a leisure facility.

Chartered surveyors AB Robb, the selling agents, set a closing date of 10 February for the sale, only two days after the water-filled quarry went on the market after the firm was inundated with inquiries.

Yesterday, following the expiry of the midday deadline, a spokeswoman for AB Robb would only say that "several offers" had been received for the unique property.