SUPPORTERS of a popular visitor attraction near Helensburgh say they are still concerned about some aspects of the owner’s efforts to secure a future for the property.

In their latest newsletter, the Friends of Geilston say the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has provided “very little information” on the cost of, and potential funding for, their suggested ways of ensuring the long-term future of Geilston Garden in Cardross.

The Friends group was formed at a packed public meeting in Cardross in October, called after the trust announced it was considering the future of the attraction in the light of what it called “unsustainable” financial losses.

Suggestions put forward so far include converting Geilston House to a holiday let and turning the steadings into a cafe and multi-purpose space suitable for a gallery and possibly a wedding venue.

The Friends’ latest newsletter states: “It became clear at our meeting [with the NTS] on January 11 that more work is required on the costings.

“Also, very little information has been provided on funding, despite the Friends putting forward initial suggestions. Both will be required if we are to make progress.

The Friends’ newsletter also questions an NTS suggestion that a community trust be formed to take on responsibility for Geilston House.

They said: “The Friends’ initial reaction is to question why, with one Trust in place, is it necessary to form another trust?

“The Friends are not unwilling to consider all options, but to do so we need the NTS to explain its thinking, including on the funding and governance.”

An NTS spokeswoman said: “The trust is looking at lots of options for the future of Geilston Garden.

“These are complex issues which take time to work through, but we are making progress.”