Rumours that Lady Gaga is to buy Yester House, the former seat of the Marquis of Tweeddale and one of the most significant historic properties associated with Clan Hay, turn out to have been greatly exaggerated.

It was widely reported in November that the American starlet had exchanged contracts on the 60 room mansion, news that brought a bemused reaction from both Clan Hay members and those who live locally in the village of Gifford, near Edinburgh.  However, estate agent Knight Frank, acting for the owner, has confirmed that the property is still on the market and that they are unaware of any interest on her part.

Yester House was commissioned by the second Marquis of Tweeddale in 1697 and is largely the work of the great Scottish architect, Robert Adam.  After the death of the 11th Marquis of Tweeddale in 1967, the house was sold to the Italian American composer, Gian Carlo Menotti.  On his death it was inherited by his adopted son, Francis Menotti, who put it on the market three years ago.  At that point, the asking price was £15 million and it was billed as the most expensive house in Scotland.  The price has since been almost halved to £8 million.