Community buy-out bid at historic house

CAMPAIGNERS for the restoration of Leslie House are trying to gain public support for a community buy-out.

Local resident and archaeologist Mary Patrick said Sundial Properties, who own the crumbling mansion, would be prepared to sell the property for a pound.

However, that would be dependent on a viable restoration plan, and a Friends of Leslie House group is in the process of being set up to take proposals forward.

To canvass local opinion on the future of the ruined grade-A listed building, 1,500 questionnaires are being distributed to residents in the area.

Ms Patrick said: “We are at the start of a long process, but I’m convinced that there is a future for Leslie House.

“But we need the backing of people from both Leslie and across Glenrothes if we are to take this further.

“To be able to demonstrate that there is a desire by the public to bring the building back to life would be hugely beneficial in our bid to secure Heritage Lottery funding.”

Public consultation events will also be held.

These will take place at Trinity Church in Leslie High Street on Thursday from 6pm-8.30pm, and also at Glenrothes Heritage Centre, Lyon Way, Kingdom Shopping Centre, on Friday from 11am-1.30pm.

Ms Patrick added: “I’ve had discussions with the owners and I believe they are sincere in their intentions and want to see the derelict building brought back to life as much as we do.

“What’s more, the owners said that the property would be willingly sold to anyone with a viable community-based plan for the nominal sum of one pound.”