The historic property was closed earlier this year as part of a cost-cutting exercise by the trust, prompting widespread dismay.

It was said to be making an annual loss of around £100,000, but it later emerged that it would cost the same amount to maintain the house and its contents, which include Flemish tapestries, Chinese porcelain and bronzes as well as important European furniture and art works collected by the family of jute barons who once lived there.

The trust had also been accused of 'rushing into' closures and staff cutbacks to meet a short-term problem.

It was claimed by critics — amongst them North East Fife MSP Iain Smith — that the closure of Hill of Tarvit went ahead despite the fact that the trust's financial woes were beginning to show signs of improvement.

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The news that a group has been set up to explore future options for the house has been enthusiastically welcomed by Mr Smith, who said: "I am glad to see that a working group is looking at the future options for the Hill of Tarvit.

"The decision by the National Trust for Scotland to close the mansionhouse was both short sighted and unnecessary, as the savings they make from closing the property to the public are minute as the cost of maintenance remains.

"Serious thought must be given to re-opening the mansionhouse, at the very least on a seasonal basis, so that the opportunities to generate money are maximised.

"After all, people come to visit the gardens and the hickory golf course, so with proper promotion and effective management the house could also draw visitors.

"The NTS must also be far more transparent about its finances, especially the cost of maintaining its properties and conserving its collections if effective solutions are to be found."