Gordon Castle, Fochabers

HC Deb 20 April 1948 vol 449 cc1604-5

14. Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland under what terms Gordon Castle, Fochabers, has been leased; for what purpose; and to whom.

Mr. Woodburn

The Commissioners of Crown Lands have arranged to grant a lease of Gordon Castle to Scottish Family Holidays, Ltd., for a term of 39 years from Whit Sunday, 1948, at a rent of £100 per annum. The castle will be used as a holiday home or for other similar purposes. The rent payable is subject to review after five years.

Mr. Spence

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the lessees of this building will be responsible for a portion of the rates, and so on; further, will he say to what extent this project is being subsidised?

Mr. Woodburn

The project is not being subsidised. I would require notice of the question in regard to rates.