Historic college hits £48,000 jackpot

A HISTORIC Lothians college has been awarded more than £48,000 to help protect its buildings and landscape.

The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will allow experts to make detailed assessments on the condition of the 16th century house at Newbattle Abbey College.

The college site dates back to the 12th century when it was a Cistercian Abbey occupied by monks.

Over the years, the building has also been home to the Lothian family dynasty and used as a training camp for the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Second World War, before becoming Scotland's only adult education residential college.

Ann Southwood, college principal, said: "We are privileged to work in a building with a rich and colourful history, and this grant will help us to look after it so that it can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come."

Visitors to the college can stay overnight at Newbattle Abbey's bed and breakfast accommodation or host christenings in its chapel.