Social media moves to fund buyout

The community trust responsible for ambitious plans to purchase and redevelop Bannockburn House have launched a crowdfunding campaign.

The Observer reported earlier this month that the Bannockburn House Trust had agreed an £800,000 deal to buy the historic grade-A listed building from owner Peter Drake.

Around £600,000 in grants have already been secured – including cash through the Scottish Land Fund – and members are now appealing for the help of the public as they look to raise a final sum of £250,000.

An official crowdfunding page was set up earlier this week and Alan Marshall, trust chairman, is urging as many people as possible to get involved.

Speaking after news of the purchase deal being agreed, he said:“We need everyone, near and far, to get on-board and donate. We have plans to reach out to families and businesses, both here and abroad, to support us.

“We’ve already established contact in the US, where there are an estimated eight million people who claim Scots or Scots-Irish descent, but we can’t just rely on them. We need folk back home to contribute too.”

The Bannockburn House Trust has for months been demonstrating the use of the house and 25-acres of surrounding land as a community asset through the hosting of a number of events – from fashion shoots and paranormal nights to Burns evenings and open days.

Almost 2000 people went through the doors of the 17th century mansion during the September open days. It was the first time its doors had opened to the public in more than 40 years.

The house, which was once lived in by Bonnie Prince Charlie, was originally put on the market at a price of £1.5 million.

Bannockburn councillor Alasdair MacPherson has been heavily involved in the plans from the outset and he reckons people can become part of history by contributing to the purchase.

He said:“The community buyout of Bannockburn House is a great opportunity for such a historically important property to be owned and run as a successful community enterprise for decades to come, the crowdfunding appeal gives the opportunity for individuals or local businesses to become a stakeholder in this hugely exciting project.”

To contribute go to crowdfunder. co.uk/ bannockburn-house-communitypurchase.