The historic property near Cupar was closed earlier this year as part of a cost-cutting exercise by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).

The mansion house was said to be making an annual loss of around £100,000, but it emerged last month that the trust had set up a working group to reconsider its fate.

NTS chief executive, Kate Mavor, has now advised the Scottish Parliament's economy, energy and tourism committee that plans are progressing to reopen the property.

North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith, who is convener of the committee, said it was "welcome news".

Mr Smith has been critical of the decision to close Hill of Tarvit, pointing to the maintenance and conservation costs which must be met regardless of whether the property is open to the public and the knock-on effect of the closure on the local tourism industry.

He told the parliament: "I am delighted that Kate Mavor confirmed in a letter to my committee that the trust is trading ahead of budget this year and that plans are progressing to restore public access to Hill of Tarvit Mansion House."

The news has also been welcomed by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, Ted Brocklebank.

He said: "It appears that the National Trust has a greater degree of financial stability than was seen earlier in the year.

"I remain optimistic that the trust will decide to reopen Hill of Tarvit in December.

"It is a magnificent Edwardian mansion with significant architectural value and strong connections to the Lorimer family.

"Such an important building, with its excellent collection of fine antiques, should be accessible to the public to allow visitors to view North East Fife's wonderful built heritage first hand."