Country Houses in East Lothian, 1945-2000

Some houses were in such a state at the end of the war that restoration was not an option. Compensation, though paid by the W.D. Land Agency, was not generous, building restrictions were strict. Materials were limited and other needs were given priority. Rates were a heavy burden. Income tax was imposed on the rich at 19/6 in the pound though relief was given for maintenance work after 1950. Coal was rationed, and without heat the buildings deteriorated further with damp, burst pipes and the like. In such circumstances, demolition seemed the only answer.

In some cases houses were demolished and new and more convenient ones were built in their place.

Hedderwick Haddington estates had Mellerstain in Berwickshire and Tyninghame and were faced with the need for expenditure on Hedderwick, which could not be justified. It was demolished in 1961. A proposal to build a single house in the walled garden to ensure its survival was not allowed by the planning department.

Elphinstone Tower was demolished in 1964 having been affected by subsidence.

Newton Hall was sold in 1921. It was used as army billets during the war after which it was in very poor condition. Having already lost its roof, it was demolished in May 1965 by the Royal Engineers as a training exercise. It was described as a ruin in 1970.

Stephen Bunyan

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© 2004 Fourth Statistical Account of East Lothian Society