The property was closed earlier this year as part of a cost-cutting exercise by the NTS.

But North East Fife MSP Iain Smith said this week that he was not convinced by the need to have closed properties to save money.

Mr Smith was speaking after the chief executive of NTS, Kate Mavor, was quizzed by members of the Scottish Parliament's economy, energy and tourism committee, which he chairs.

He said: "The evidence from Kate Mavor gave the committee a valuable insight into the problems faces by NTS, but it is still unclear how these problems will be resolved in the long term.

"The NTS has a duty to fulfil its responsibilities to Scotland's heritage in the long term.

"I am concerned, however, that they have rushed into staff cutbacks and property closures to meet a short-term problem.

"There is evidence that finances were already improving before the cuts and closures were agreed, and there must be questions about why the properties affected could not have been kept open over the summer in order for other alternatives to be explored."

Mr Smith went on: "There is no doubt that the trust's finances need attention.

"I am not convinced, however, that the problem is addressed by simply closing properties.

"These properties and the collections they house still need to be maintained and that costs money.

"Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse was closed because it was making annual loss of over £100,000.

"It has emerged, however, that it will still cost £100,000 a year to maintain the building and conserve the valuable collections within it.

"There were no answers when I asked about how much will actually be saved by its closure."