ABBOT HOUSE has said its impending closure was “forced on us” and hit out at Fife Council and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust for failing to take action to secure its future.

Last week, the Press was the first to tell you that the Maygate attraction would shut on 15th August and, following its AGM on Thursday, Abbot House Heritage Centre Trust confirmed that will go ahead “unless circumstances change”.

Carnegie Dunfermline Trust (CDT) had refused to remove a reversionary clause, which states that in the event of Abbot House going bust, the building reverts to CDT or Fife Council. This week, chair Robin Arnott explained, “This situation has been forced on us by virtue of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, for reasons best known to itself, being unwilling to amend the reversionary clause and Fife Council being unwilling to invest a relatively small short-term sum in our future. “This is disappointing, particularly when laid against the hundreds and thousands of pounds given by these bodies to the development at the old fire station, the opening of the new cultural hub in the High Street and the vast amounts being poured into the new museum and art gallery next door to Abbot House. “It begs the question as to why Abbot House, the jewel in Dunfermline’s heritage crown, has been so shamefully treated.” The clause effectively stopped Abbot House gaining access to lottery funding and other grants.

Despite a “convincing case for amending the clause”, Mr Arnott said CDT trustees had subsequently refused to allow amendments and “concluded negotiations without further discussions”.

Mr Arnott said, “This has effectively cut off avenues of funding to Abbot House and has prevented any developments from taking place, including the social enterprise model commonly used by heritage organisations.” He continued, “The trustees and members expressed great disappointment at the stance adopted by CDT and were at a loss to understand why it, and Fife Council, would wish to take action which did not secure the future of Abbot House for the benefit of Dunfermline’s citizens and visitors. “Even with the closure of the House, it is the intention that Abbot House Heritage Centre Trust will continue to function and Abbot House will remain in its ownership. “With the community rallying around, every effort will be made to retain Abbot House in its role as a vibrant heritage hub.” On behalf of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Fife Council, Councillor Lesley Laird – depute council leader and executive spokesperson for economy and planning – said, “The extensive financial assistance and support from Fife Council to Abbot House over the years is already well documented.

“Both Fife Council and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust have also repeatedly expressed their concerns over the escalating liabilities of Abbot House, its operating model, its governance and the future proposals being presented under its current operation model.

“Taking all of these factors into consideration, it is with regret that after responding to many calls for support over the years, we are unable to make yet more legal or financial allowances.

“The prospect of Abbot House closing its doors is a sad one. Fife Council and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust remain deeply committed to the value of Abbot House to Dunfermline and their responsibilities should Abbot House revert back to them.”