Lothian estate on market for up to £15m

AN East Lothian country estate looks set to become Scotland's most expensive property with a price tag of up to £15 million.

Yester House, which stands in 500 acres at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, just outside Gifford, has been put on the market for offers between £12m and £15m.

The estate, bought in the 1970s by the Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti, includes the remains of Yester Castle, thought to date from the 13th century.

It was commissioned by the 2nd Marquess of Tweeddale in the late 17th century and completed in the 18th century by William Adam and by his son Robert.

The property is now owned by Francis Menotti, who said: "Yester has been a beloved family retreat for many years, but now it is time to allow the next generation with new vigour and enthusiasm to take it on."