A STATELY home in the Borders needs £20,000 so it can re-open to the public in the summer, according to trustees.

Paxton House, in Berwickshire, has been closed since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown in March.

But now the Paxton Trust is urging the public to donate by June 20 so the 18th century estate can open its doors again in July.

Trust chairman Ian Marrian said: “We want to re-open as soon as it’s safe for all and we’ll have to invest to ensure that safety.

"We cannot compromise on the conservation of our nationally significant collections and the glorious natural landscape.

"But every day without income makes survival a greater challenge."

Mr Marrian said the trust is also working "extremely hard" to try to gain a grant to cover the essential running costs for 2020.

He added: "We hope that, if and when we re-open, we can with your help and attendance make these strange times a little happier.”

The trust, which has earmarked July 1 for re-opening, says it needs £20,000 by the start of the summer to maintain the property, as well as the children’s playground and gardens.

The house was gifted to the nation in 1988 by John David Home Robertson, the last laird, for the population's "benefit and enjoyment".

Its collection of paintings includes work by Allan Ramsay, Sir Henry Raeburn and Alexander Nasmyth.

The house also boasts Scotland's largest collection of Thomas Chippendale furniture.