New council homes to be built - thanks to 85-year-old bequest

John Richardson, a solicitor and Musselburgh town clerk, died in 1940.

When John Richardson died 85 years ago, he left instructions that part of his estate should be used to fund six cottages in his home town for "deserving" people.

The wealthy solicitor, who was also Musselburgh town clerk, said he wanted the inhabitants to live in the houses in Haddington, East Lothian rent free, forever.

Almost nine decades later steps are finally being taken to use some of the money left in Mr Richardson's bequest to build six new affordable homes at Herdmanflat.

But East Lothian Council - which is behind the plans for the new homes - said it would not be possible to fulfill all of Mr Richardson's requirements.

An artist's impression of how the homes would look in Haddington

Mr Richardson's will left various trusts, one of which was for the maintenance of his stepdaughter Dora Margaret Pinhorne.

Following Mrs Pinhorne's death in 1990 at the age of 102, Mr Richardson's estate and bequests were finalised by the trustees.

About £267,000 was left, which with 35 years interest now stands at £3m.

East Lothian Council are asking for approval to use £1.6m of that to fund the building work at Herdmanflat.

But they said it would not be possible to allocate the home to "deserving natives" of Haddington and allow them to live rent and tax free forever.

Instead, after going through the courts, they plan to build six homes which would be owned by Haddington Common Good Fund.

The common good fund would then receive an estimated annual rent of £37,000 which would be used to fund grants for local groups and charities.

Mr Richardson's will, which he left when he died in 1940

Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council leader, said he was pleased that the council had been able to resolve the bequest to the best of their ability.

"This was a complicated situation as it was not possible under legislation to fund the building of six new homes, allocate to deserving natives of Haddington and allow tenants to live in them rent and tax free forever," he said.

"Through the redetermination of the fund through the courts, this proposal aligns with Mr Richardson's wishes in delivering six homes whilst also benefiting the Haddington Common Good Fund in the longer term.

"I'm delighted that we have been able to resolve this bequest to the best of our ability whilst fulfilling a large part of Mr Richardson's wishes, which will benefit the Haddington Common Good for years to come."