Row over historic Bishopbriggs house, but it’s still for sale...

East Dunbartonshire Council has put Huntershill House and surrounding land on the property market.

The B-listed Bishopbriggs landmark has links to political reform campaigner Thomas Muir, who lived from 1765 - 1799.

Bishopbriggs councillor Gordan Low put forward a motion at last week’s development and infrastructure committee urging the council to look at ways of refurbishing the historic property, but it was defeated.

Councillor Low told the Herald: “Huntershill House should be recognised as a major asset to the area, but it has been languishing with no clear plans for its future since it ceased to be an operational building some years ago.

“No coherent reason was given for refusing a proposal to consider all options for the reuse of Huntershill House, and no better alternative was offered.”

He added: “Whether this refusal was simply because the proposal had come from the opposition SNP group, it demonstrates a worrying and disappointing lack of urgency to find a way forward for this iconic building.”

Jimmy Watson, of Friends of Thomas Muir, said: “We’re very concerned about the future of Huntershill House and welcome any initiative that will move things forward.”

Mr Watson said he had ‘reassurances’ from a number of Bishopbriggs councillors that Huntershill House was a ‘priority’.

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of the council’s development and infrastructure committee, said: “This motion added nothing to the agreed decision, which was held privately on Thursday, June 28.

“If anything, it could put a delay on progressing plans for Huntershill House. The council is committed to moving things forward and this motion doesn’t lessen our enthusiasm to find a solution for Huntershill House.

“This building is important for the local area and the wider Thomas Muir legacy, and I recognise the need for the council to do everything possible to salvage it and secure its future.

“The marketing exercise commenced on Monday (August 20) and it’s my view that we should allow it to run its course over the following six weeks and evaluate any expressions of interest we get in due course.

“The final decision will be made by elected members at a future council meeting. I think this is the way forward.”

* Have you got a comment? E-mail [email protected]

Alternatively you can call the newsdesk 0141 775 0040, find us on Facebook or visit us on Twitter

Or you can log in below and have you say on the site. Please note comments may be reprinted in the newspaper.