Scottish history news - Moubray House to come under new ownership

Historic Scotland has announced that one of Edinburgh's oldest houses is to come into its care.

Historic Scotland has announced that historic Moubray House, once the home of Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe, is to come under its care. The house, which has its origins in the 15th century, is one of the oldest houses in Edinburgh and is an A-listed property with a Renaissance board and beam painted ceiling and a plaster ceiling moulded with exotic fruits and flowers.

The current owner of Moubray House, Debra Stonecipher, has recently carried out painstaking restoration work to reveal and conserve many of its period features and was keen to see the property pass to Historic Scotland. She said: 'It has been a privilege and joy to be able to live in, and to restore, a house that captures over 500 years of Edinburgh's history and culture here on the Royal Mile. I am thrilled to have come home to my Scottish roots, and now to give, in my grandmother's name, this very special and cherished house back to the people of Scotland for all time.'

The agreement was negotiated and overseen by the agency's outgoing Chief Executive Ruth Parsons. Once the house is under Historic Scotland ownership, it will be operated as a new visitor centre on the Royal Mile, offering specialist pre-booked tours with detailed interpretation of its origins, history and development over the centuries.

Elizabeth McCrone, Historic Scotland's Head of Listing and Designed Landscapes, said: 'We are thrilled that Debra has taken this step and to see this exceptional property pass into our care. Moubray House will be a fantastic addition to the agency's estate. This house provides us with a snapshot of how properties in Edinburgh's Old Town were built and evolved over the centuries. The agency looks forward to welcoming the house into the estate and offering a new visitor experience in the city.'

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