The initiative, being taken forward by Historic Scotland and the first of its kind to be prepared by the Scottish Government, aims to encourage financial investment in and refurbishment of Scotland’s built heritage during the economic downturn. It will also provide advice on process, good practices and exemplars of similar projects in the past with the aim of re-using and revitalising existing buildings.
Michael Russell said: “The restoration of carefully selected Scottish castles and tower-houses will contribute to a sustainable approach to ensuring that Scotland’s historic buildings play a role in the economic development of this country. Investment in such projects, whether it’s to create rented apartments, a hotel – a great opportunity within the tourism industry - or another commercial enterprise will merge the rebuilding of Scotland’s economy with innovative new ways to manage our heritage. These castles can also make good homes.
“We are tasked with preserving our country’s great architectural and natural heritage for future generations. Although management of the historic environment is a complex issue we, at the same time, should encourage investment and restoration for renewed use where that offers the best chance for a building’s sustainable future. Encouragingly, new uses for such buildings are varied and can prove, at this time of financial difficulty, to be economically beneficial.”
The main aims of the project are:
- The preparation, maintenance and publishing of an online register of castles and tower-houses which demonstrate the characteristics that would enable a successful scheme for restoration to be developed
- A guide to castle and tower-house restoration drawing on Scottish exemplars, showing best practice and acting as a resource pack for prospective owners and developers
- A publication outlining the history of castle and tower-house restoration in Scotland
- Identification of exemplary projects based to allow further development of craft-skills, best practice and public understanding of the history of Scottish castles and tower-houses, their conservation and/or their restoration
“Scotland’s historic environment is something the country should be especially proud of and should celebrate. It is part of our culture, communities, education, and, in the Year of Homecoming, is integral to tourism. Furthermore, we must understand that heritage is part of the future including developments and economic growth. This initiative will contribute to that goal.”
John Brennan, owner of Barholm Castle who showed the Minister around the recently restored project, said: “Today’s announcement is a welcome step for anyone who has the desire to restore a ruined castle. My wife and I fell in love with Barholm Castle and we were determined to find a means to restore it. The journey of purchasing, applications, grants and the works themselves can be a long and complex process. Castle restoration needs expertise, time and funding and we were grateful for the financial help which Historic Scotland gave us.”
“The Castle Initiative by Historic Scotland will provide people with guidance, advice and the expertise which is needed for castle restoration to become a more transparent, flexible and ultimately more successful process which will encourage more people to make the move towards restoration in Scotland.”
Historic Scotland has begun the first phase of the project, which is to carry out an audit of prospective buildings suitable for the list and to discuss the inclusion of buildings with their prospective owners. The launch of the preliminary list is expected by June 2009.
