An historic council-owned mansion has finally been sold, after standing empty for six years.
Blairvadach in Shandon was used as offices by Argyll and Bute Council until staff moved into their newly-converted building in central Helensburgh in 2015.
A deal with a preferred developer had collapsed earlier this year in what officials said was ‘a major disappointment’, following another developer’s withdrawal in 2018.
But today the council has confirmed that the building itself and the ‘phase one’ section of the grounds had been sold on November 30 to Helensburgh builders Callum Williamson Ltd.
And the builders have submitted planning and listed building applications to the council to re-roof the building with natural slate and replace the windows with timber double glazed sash and case-style casement windows.
Previous council documents showed that the house is expected to be converted into eight flats, with 28 housing units being built in the grounds in phase one of the development.
Blairvadach House is B-listed, and Helensburgh Heritage Trust states that it was built in 1850 for politician and manufacturer Sir James Anderson, Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1848-51 and later MP for Stirling Burghs.
Leading Victorian architect JTRochead designed it in the Scots Baronial style, complete with massive keep, turrets and battlements.
Both applications are on the council’s website. The reference number for the planning application is 21/02144/PP and the listed building reference number is 21/02145/LIB.
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