Councillor Tom Johnston says the fact that the listed building has been unoccupied for so long has made it a "sitting duck" for criminals.

The retired history teacher spoke out in the News & Chronicle last month highlighting the once stately home's neglected condition.

But he now feels the situation is even more critical with thieves stealing lead and stone urns, as well as causing general damage as they attempt to ransack as much as they could. It has also, as our picture shows, attracted flytippers dumping tyres.

"The setting is very isolated - security there has not been sufficient and trouble was bound to start. That it has lain empty for 18 months is a shocking indictment of general failure," he lambasted.

"I think the authorities got rid of it in the first place but it's difficult to pinpoint who is to blame."

Cumbernauld House was built in 1731 by William Adam. "There are very few of those around," says the councillor of the property's architectural beginnings.

And what he believes is a structure for Cumbernauld to be proud of has been allowed to fall into disrepair. "It has been ignored," he stated, adding that there have been delays caused by complications over the building's sale.

Phil Gaunt, strategic planning manager with North Lanarkshire Council, said the authority is working closely with the current owners to ensure the house is protected.

"We have discussed the issue of the missing lead with the owner's agents and while the council has the power to undertake enforcement action to help safeguard the future of the building, we are actively working with the owners to achieve a satisfactory outcome in respect of the maintenance and preservation as quickly as possible," he said.

A police spokesman said the lead robbery took place between 2pm on Tuesday, September 23, and 10am the following morning.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this crime to call
them on (01236) 503900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



CUMBERNAULD House is in the care of property consultants King Sturge who have told Councillor Johnston that complex sales negotiations have led to it lying empty for so long.

Associate Pippa Gardner wrote to tell him that negotiations with a "preferred developer" are in their final stages.

She added that "the over-riding driver for development is ensuring the integrity of the listed building is maintained and enhanced and that a sustainable long term future for the building is secured.

"The continuation of public access to the grounds, and where appropriate the building, is being considered and promoted within these proposals."

And she seeks to assure Councillor Johnston that the house has indeed been secured.

"Where damage has occurred to the roof - due to the theft of the lead flashings - temporary measures were put in place to impede water ingress.

"Unfortunately these measures have not fully protected the building and we are therefore consulting specialist contractors, qualified in the treatment and repair of listed buildings, to make good any internal damage and to reinstate the lead finishes in a manner which is permanent and true to the building.

"It is of course unfortunate that the property has remained vacant for some significant period, however you will appreciate that the market for properties protected as this one is via its nature as being listed, is somewhat restricted.

"We are committed to ensuring a viable and sustainable use for the property and feel confident that the preferred developer can deliver such a solution to the long term benefit of the house and indeed the
community."