THE future of a building once earmarked for East Lothian’s first crematorium could finally be decided by the end of the year.
East Lothian Council has not used Alderston House, to the north of Haddington, for more than a decade.
It has been up for sale for a number of years but a deal has never been struck.
READ MORE: East Lothian Council confirm interest in Alderston House
Now, a spokesperson for the local authority has confirmed they are hopeful that a sale could be finalised before the end of the year.
A closing date for offers was set for August 18 last year.
The spokesperson said: “The property is still under offer, we have a concluded missive and it is likely to settle before the end of the year.”
At the end of 2018, offers of more than £785,000 for the Category B listed mansion house were being sought.
The building, which is set in substantial grounds, was previously used by the council’s youth justice team and training and development.
Almost a decade ago, East Lothian Council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for the building to be turned into a crematorium.
However, the sale of the property fell through and the plans for the Georgian mansion house stalled.
Previously, a local authority spokesperson said: “The property comprises a substantial pedimented main house of three storeys and sunken basement built around 1790 with ashlar stone front elevation and pitched slate roof.
“The building has an impressive frontage with a central porch incorporating two pairs of Doric columns.
“There are additional wings to the west and east and a central rear block.
“An ice house which is also listed is situated at the rear of the house.”
The building was previously used as a private house, as well as a convalescent home for the Scottish Rural Workers’ Society and a nurses’ training school.
Councillor Tom Trotter, who represents the town, was pleased that the building could soon find a use.
He said: “I have not heard what it will be used for but I am pleased it is going to be used for something.
“It is a cracking building going to waste.
“It is good to hear somebody is going to take it but I am not sure what the use is going to be.”
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