He was the north-east man who helped found Japanese motor giant Mitsubishi, united the country’s warring tribes and played a fundamental role in kick-starting its industrial revolution.
But the Aberdeen house of Scottish Samurai Thomas Blake Glover has lain empty since 2012 and has fallen into disrepair.
Now hopes have been raised that the former tourist attraction could be given a new lease of life.
The home is owned by the North East Japan Trust and ownership is currently being transferred to Aberdeen City Council – a process which has been ongoing since May last year.
Last night finance convener and trust member Willie Young said the council was in discussions with a number of potential partners over the future of the historic site.
He said it could be used to host high-profile business meetings between Aberdeen and Japanese firms while parts could be re-opened to the public.
Mr Young said: “When (the council) have it then the options really open up for what could be a great asset for the city.”
He added that Aberdeen Asset Management and the Mitsubishi Corporation have been approached by council chiefs on the possibility of running the site.
Japanese Consul Hajime Kitaoka said on a visit to Fraserburgh last week: “I heard Mitsubishi Corporation, which was set up by Thomas Glover, is funding it and I understand that it will soon again become operational.”
North-east conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: “It is clear that Glover remains an extremely well-known figure in Japan, and it is fitting that his home should continue to play a role in as our important relationship with Japan continues to strengthen.”
Hugh Little, head of acquisitions at Aberdeen Asset Management said: “Aberdeen Asset Management remains committed to assisting with the future of the Glover House, and once decisions have been made about how the house can be used in future, we will be a partner around the table to help enable this.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The process of transferring ownership of Glover House has been legally complex and has taken longer than we would have liked.
“We are optimistic that Glover House will soon be put to good use and that it will regain its rightful place at the heart of the cultural life of the north-east of Scotland.”