POLICE have launched an investigation into claims funds have gone missing from an historic house at the centre of a community buy-out bid.

Officers said they received reports of alleged embezzlement at Cockenzie House and Gardens, Cockenzie, last month and are looking into the claims.

The charitable trust which runs Cockenzie House and Gardens is in the process of raising funds to bring the property into community ownership. There is no suggestion the allegations relate to this project and the amount of money allegedly involved has not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for Cockenzie House and Gardens said: “There is a police investigation ongoing in relation to a financial matter. We would stress that the charity itself is not under investigation. The house remains open.

“The trustees continue to work hard to put in place the required support to reach our long term goal. We would like to thank all our members, supporters and users of the house for their amazing support.”

A police spokesperson told the Courier: “We are investigating a report of embezzlement at Cockenzie House, which was reported to officers on Wednesday, April 11.

“Inquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.”