HERITAGE experts have hit out as the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) plans to mothball a historic house until 2022.

Holmwood in Glasgow is totally unique — the only remaining interior by classical revival architect Alexander "Greek" Thomson that's open to the public.

But under a blueprint aimed at carrying NTS through a cash crisis caused by coronavirus closures, it's set to stay shut until 2022, with staff numbers slashed.

That's despite the ongoing restoration of the exquisite murals covering the walls, something NTS describes as "painstaking" work and which has been supported by public donations.

The "stunning" and "ornate" work was carried out for paper magnate James Coupar in the 1850s.

The Alexander Thomson Society, which is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and understanding of his work, which was influential overseas, has now called on NTS to "explain" the decision — saying there are far better alternatives.

The National:

The Society told The National: "Holmwood relies on a tireless group of dedicated volunteers who run the guided tours, the tea room and shop, meaning that the overheads associated with staffing the site should be low.

"The Society has asked NTS to explain why the decision has been taken to close the property entirely in 2021, instead of for example considering weekend-only opening as an intermediate measure, with a full re-opening following in 2022.

"This would also lessen the impact on the wider network of businesses in Cathcart and the Southside that benefit from their proximity to an NTS property.

"We strongly encourage NTS to reconsider their decision and have asked for the opportunity to discuss this with them directly, in particular to understand whether there is support that we can provide with regards to fundraising, volunteer recruitment or event coordination that might help the Trust to change their mind."

The National revealed NTS plans to keep eight sites shut until 2022, with many others closed until into 2021, on Tuesday. The Alexander Thomson Society says it is "disappointed" not to have recieved notice from NTS.

Yesterday NTS chief executive Simon Skinner acknowledged that some people may be "disappointed" that sites including Holmwood and Bannockburn visitor centre face extended closure.

But, emphasising an ask for public funding, he said: "These are not choices we wanted to make, but we need to take them to ensure that the Trust gets through this period and emerges from the other side ready to do what it does best."

He went on: "We have always existed for the benefit for the people of Scotland as funded by our members and supporters – with a little more help we can save the Trust and in turn we can return to saving Scotland’s national treasures at our full capacity.”

However, the Alexander Thomson Society says it has "serious concerns" on the impact of the closure, which it says could lead to the loss of the "immense bank of knowledge and expertise" held by current staff and volunteers.

It said: "With only one full-time member of staff retained, the ability of this knowledge to be easily retained and for the consistent management of Holmwood to be maintained will be jeopardised.

"One of the Society’s primary goals when it was first established was to save Holmwood and to ensure that it remains cared for and accessible, which is a goal we remain committed too.

"As the only Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson interior that is open to the public we believe it is vital to Glasgow’s heritage that Holmwood be reopened to the public in 2021."