Rave mansion owners set to take legal action

THE owners of a mansion where an illegal lockdown rave was held have pledged to take legal action against its organisers.

Police were called to Kirkhill House after ‘more than 300 people’ descended on the historic property in Midlothian.

Owners David and Elaine Mackman say the person they dealt with seemed pleasant and they were under the impression ten people including three children would be staying for the weekend.

But they were contacted by neighbours at 1.30am on Sunday to say a ‘huge rave’ was going on and police has arrived.

On Facebook, Kirkhill Mansion House owners, who rent the property on Airbnb for more than £1,600 a night, described the behaviour of party goers as ‘reckless’.

He said: ‘Things turned into a living nightmare.

‘We utterly condemn both the organisation and people behind this, but also those that turned up to this so-called party. We are seeking legal action against the organisers of this event and are devastated as a family that our trust was broken. Not only that, but we felt sickened to have to clear up the aftermath and mess left behind.

A keyholder, acting for the owners, said he fought his way through 30 or 40 vehicles on the main road to reach the property.

He was met by police and described the early morning scene as ‘wild’.

Police Scotland are continuing to investigate the event which broke lockdown guidelines about house parties.

They are also looking at any further breaches which could result in culpable and reckless conduct charges.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: ‘There have been no changes or arrests at this stage. Inquiries are continuing.’ First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday criticised the behaviour of those involved.

Emma Cowing – Page 25