Community / Ownership change won’t affect Unst castle arrangements
MUNESS Castle changing hands at auction will not affect the arrangements for the maintenance and care of the A-listed structure, Historic Environment Scotland has clarified.
The 16th century castle and its surrounding crofting land is being sold with offers starting at £130,000.
Historic Environment Scotland maintains the building, which is open to the public and is a popular attraction in Unst.
A spokesperson clarified that the castle is a property in care of Scottish Ministers under legislation and is managed by the agency, and that any sale would not affect this arrangement.
Back in 2006 the castle and land was sold for £65,000. Title deeds for the land show that the proprietor is Gavin Farquhar from the Ecclesgreig Estate in Kincardineshire.
A Historic Environment Scotland spokesperson said: “The castle is in state care under the 1979 Ancient Monuments Act which passes full management and control to Scottish ministers in guardianship.
“The title to the property remains with the owner and for guardianship properties the title can, and often does change hands.
“This does not impact on the guardianship arrangements in any way and the original guardianship deed remains in force.”
The land, meanwhile, is crofting land and divided into at least five different crofts.
The auction listing also says it is believed that the sale comes with a Barony title. The auction company has been asked to clarify this after some doubts were raised.
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