TWO fields at the back of historic Newhailes House in Musselburgh are being rented out to a local farmer, says owner the National Trust for Scotland.

The conservation charity said that it wanted to make “more productive” use of the fields, which will be planted with an arable crop next year.

A spokesperson said: “To allow the preparation work to begin and to protect the crops once in the ground, fences will be going up in the next month or so. The pathways around the perimeter will remain and a new path created through the large field. These will be sown with wild flowers so there are still lovely walks for all.

“This approach brings in a small income for the charity and also frees up resources to focus on conserving and caring for the house and main areas of the estate, as well as reducing the costs the charity currently incurs in managing these areas.”