The East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists Society was joined by Alan Dean, chairman of Amisfield Preservation Trust, during its annual dinner dance at the Maitlandfield House Hotel, Haddington, recently.
Mr Dean explained that Amisfield House was a Palladian mansion designed by Isaac Ware in 1755. He said that the River Tyne was diverted so it flowed further from the house and a cascade was made.
The society heard that Amisfield House and its esta
te fell into decline in the 19th century after the 7th Earl built Gosford House.
Amisfield House was finally demolished between the World Wars and became an army camp.
The estate was sold to East Lothian Council in 1960 although Haddington Golf Club kept one half of the park.
Plant treesMr Dean said that in 1996 John Woolman set up an informed group to try and save the remains of the estate.
In 1999 The Friends of Amisfield were set up and the Amisfield Preservation Trust was formally constituted.
The main aims were to get an agreement with the council to manage the neglected woodland; to clear and plant trees with the help of volunteers; to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the 'summer house'; and to clear and restore the 1783 walled garden which has cylinder corner pavilions.
Mr Dean explained that Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian (SEEL) were currently interested in assessing the walled garden as part of a business management plan.
The next meeting of the society will be its AGM on Saturday, May 21, in the day centre, Westgate, Dunbar, at 3.30pm. The meeting will follow a tour of the John Muir birthplace at 2.30pm.
