The A Listed property, which includes a B Listed lodge and gateway in 2.8 acres of landscaped gardens and private woodland, is on sale for offers over £1.5 million.

The house, in Wadingburn Road, was built around 1775 with input from the famous Scottish architect Robert Adam.

From 1798 to 1804 it was the summer home of the novelist Sir Walter Scott, who rented it from Sir John Clerk of Penicuik.

Extended considerably

It was Barony House where Scott spent his honeymoon and began his literary career and also wrote the opening lines of the poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel.

Barony House, which features a master bedroom with fitted dressing room and separate shower room, was extended considerably in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Many of the features were reclaimed from Penicuik House, which was destroyed by fire in 1899.

Former schools

The property has a further five double bedrooms, three further bathrooms (two en-suite), a drawing room, dining room, gym and fitted wine cellar.

Meanwhile, Midlothian Council is selling the site of two former primary schools.

Cranston Primary, Edgehead, and St Margaret's Primary, Loanhead, are surplus to requirements since new schools have been built.

The sites have both been advertised as "development opportunities."

The empty St Margaret's site in Edgefield Road covers almost three acres and the council is looking for offers over £1.25m.

Offers over £250,000 are being sought for the Cranston site.