Published 10 Feb 2011 09:26
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The ruins of Yester Castle and the entrance to the Goblin Ha’
A 321-ACRE woodland near Gifford – containing the ruins of a “remarkable” 13th-century castle and a spooky underground chamber – is for sale at offers over £450,000.
The woods formed the bulk of Yester Estate, which in August 2008 was put up for sale by the family of the late Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti for £15 million, including the Grade A-listed 14-bedroom Yester House.
But after more than two years on the market, the woodlands are now being sold separately for less than £500,000. Yester House and the remaining estate is being marketed for £8 million, with the house’s contents being thrown in an effort to tempt well-heeled buyers.
East Lothian Provost Sheena Richardson told the Courier: “I just hope that if Yester Woodlands are sold there will be a greater opportunity for local public access. I’m sure everyone in the community will be waiting anxiously and there is a desire for a good outcome.”
The entire estate was owned until the 1970s by the Marquesses of Tweeddale, when it was bought by one-time child music prodigy Mr Menotti, who is said to have been impressed by the acoustics of the 1,260-square-foot ballroom.
Yester Castle dates from the 13th century and is believed to have been started by Sir Hugo de Giffard – whose family gave Gifford its name. The colourful Hugo was rumoured to have performed black magic and had the nickname the Wizard of Yester.
Legend has it that the large underground chamber, nicknamed the Goblin Ha’, was supposed to be the handiwork of Hugo and an army of hobgoblins who he could summon thanks to his dealings with the devil.
The spooky edifice even earned a mention in a poem by Sir Walter Scott and the site’s reputation as being haunted lives on to this day, with several amateur investigations of the Goblin Ha’ having been posted on YouTube.
John O’Connor, chairman of Gifford Community Council, said: “I think, considering the historic importance of the Goblin Ha’, I’d like to see public authorities take an interest in this sale.
“As it stands the site is extremely inaccessible. In fact, I’ve lived in Gifford for 34 years and have never visited the Goblin Ha’.”
Julian Tennent, secretary of the community council, said: “I think local reaction to the sale would depend mainly on who bought the land. Personally I don’t think a sale would make a great deal of difference thanks to the Land Reform Act (2003) [the ‘right to roam’].”
Local councillor Ludovic Broun-Lindsay pointed out that a grant-aided community purchase might be a possibility. He added: “Even with a private sale, though, ‘right-to-roam’ legislation protects access to Goblin Ha’.”
A Historic Scotland spokeswoman said Yester Castle was one of the earliest stone castles in Scotland and was “remarkable for the quality of its medieval architecture, including the subterranean chamber”.
She said: “It’s scheduled as a site of national importance and as such any owner is responsible for its care and maintenance. Historic Scotland provides guidance to owners to ensure the cultural significance of the site is preserved.”
Sporting rights are included in the sale. The woodland – south-east of Gifford on the banks of Gifford Water – features mixed broadleaves and conifers and also areas of parkland. It is being marketed by Edinburgh-based CKD Galbraith.
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Feb 10, 10:20
Report commentHurry snap it up, ELC!
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