West Linton party mansion rentals ‘putting locals at risk’

Locals have said up to 30 people have been at the mansion making noise

An Edinburgh businessman has been blasted for “putting neighbours at risk” by renting his Peeblesshire mansion to parties despite Covid-19 social distancing rules.

Mike Cameron, Director of Edinburgh’s Dominion Cinema, advertises his West Linton mansion, known as Greenloaning or Linton Lodge, as a party destination.

Neighbours who have been complaining of disruption and noise for years say they have reached the ‘limit’ of what they can put up with.

Rentals were paused during the strictest lockdown period, but resumed from July 10.

Since then police have visited the property three times following neighbour complaints.

Nearby resident Jackie Ledger, 47, said she hears regular “noise, screaming and screeching” from the house, as well as loud music.

Ms Ledger and other locals are also concerned about visitors breaching lockdown rules.

John Thomson, who also lives nearby, said: “We thought we’d had a weekend off last weekend [July 25-26], and then a large group of guys turned up on Sunday, as usual making excessive noise. I went to speak to them, and it was 25 guys who had travelled up from London for a stag do.

“The people who use the house are also using the local facilities, they’re using the pub, it just goes completely against any common decency.”

Local MSP Christine Grahame also voiced concerns about lockdown measures.

She said: “My understanding is there were 25 to 30 men at a three-day party at this premises. There’s no way they’re complying with the government guidance which is eight people from three families, or with social distancing.”

She added: “The proprietor and those taking part should know better, it’s dreadful for that community. It was dreadful for them before all of this with the numbers of people that were coming up, but that’s compounded by lack of covid security, and it puts the wider community at risk.”

Neighbour Duncan McKenzie, 64, said: “For the past three weekends there have been gatherings of up to 25 or 30, the police know about it and should be doing something.”

A lawyer acting on behalf of Mike Cameron said: “The complaints alleged are not accepted nor justified.

“Mr Cameron in letting the property has always and will continue to abide by the COVID -19 rules and principles for self-catering accommodation.”