The Mavisbank Trust has successfully nominated Mavisbank House in Midlothian as one of the 14 monuments and sites shortlisted for ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme 2016, run by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute (EIBI); it is the only site on the shortlist from the UK.
Europa Nostra writes:
Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage organisation, and the European Investment Bank Institute (EIBI) announce today the 14 monuments and sites shortlisted for ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme 2016 by an international panel of experts in various fields. These endangered landmarks from 14 European countries are:
- Archaeological site of Ererouyk and village of Ani Pemza, Armenia;
- Palace of Justice in Brussels, Belgium;
- Patarei Sea Fortress in Tallinn, Estonia;
- Helsinki-Malmi Airport, Finland;
- Colbert Swing Bridge in Dieppe, France;
- Castle in Divitz, Germany;
- Kampos of Chios, Greece;
- Venice Lagoon, Italy;
- Castle Rijswijk, the Netherlands;
- Y-block in Oslo, Norway;
- Valflores Palace and Estate, near Lisbon, Portugal;
- Convent of St. Anthony of Padua, Extremadura, Spain;
- Ancient city of Hasankeyf and its surroundings, Turkey;
- and Mavisbank House, near Edinburgh, the United Kingdom.
Some of these sites are in danger due to neglect or inadequate planning / development, others due to lack of resources or expertise. The final list of 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe will be unveiled at a public event in Venice on 16 March 2016.
The 14 shortlisted monuments and sites were selected taking into account their outstanding heritage and cultural value as well as the grave danger that they are facing. The commitment of various public and private stakeholders and the engagement of the local communities to rescuing those sites were also considered essential. Another important criterion was the potential of these sites to serve as a resource and a driver of sustainable development for the wider region in which they are located.
Nominations for ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme 2016 were submitted by civil society or public bodies which form part of Europa Nostra’s vast network of member and associate organisations from all over Europe. Fourteen sites were shortlisted by a panel of experts in history, archaeology, architecture, conservation, project analysis and finance. The final list of 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe will be selected by the Board of Europa Nostra.
‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme was launched in January 2013 by Europa Nostra with the European Investment Bank Institute as founding partner and the Council of Europe Development Bank as associated partner. It was inspired by a successful similar project run by the US National Trust for Historic Preservation. ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ is not a funding programme. Its aim is to serve as a catalyst for action and to promote ‘the power of example’. ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ has the support of the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, as part of Europa Nostra’s 3-year Network Project ‘Mainstreaming Heritage’.
‘Europa Nostra welcomes the growing recognition by EU Institutions, including the European Investment Bank, that Cultural Heritage indeed counts for Europe: it is a driver for sustainable development and a cohesive force for our multicultural societies. Our advocacy programme ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ has a great significance, but its goals can only be achieved with widespread support from EU Institutions and with joint action by different public and private partners. We therefore count on them to assist Europa Nostra and our members to rescue and give a new life to our shared heritage,’ stated Denis de Kergorlay, Executive President of Europa Nostra.
‘Experts from the EIB Institute will visit and analyse the selected 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe and will contribute to the formulation of realistic action plans. The case in favour of those sites will thus become more visible and more credible. Experience over the last few years shows moreover that the local and national ownership and involvement is particularly crucial when it comes to mobilising support to save the selected endangered sites,’ added Guy Clausse, Dean of the European Investment Bank Institute.
Mavisbank House, UK:
Designed by the Scottish architect William Adam and Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, owner of the house, Mavisbank (1726) is one of the most significant works of architecture of early 18th century Scotland. It is essentially a Palladian villa adapted to northern European conditions, with a centre block and two pavilions creating an extraordinarily picturesque composition. Despite its historical and architectural significance, the house is in an advanced state of disrepair. It is hoped that the nomination for ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ 2016, submitted by the Mavisbank Trust, will raise awareness of the building’s plight to an unprecedented level, helping to draw further support for its restoration within Scotland and potentially from much further afield.
View the record for Mavisbank
View more information about all the nominated sites and the full press release
