The initiative is being led by Historic Scotland and aims to encourage financial investment in the refurbishment of Scotland’s built heritage during the economic downturn. It will also provide advice on the consent process, good practice and previous projects with the aim of revitalising existing buildings.
Scotland's Minister of Culture Michael Russell said: “We have a great tradition in Scotland of successfully bringing these historic buildings back into use. It requires investment, determination and an understanding of the character, history and archaeology of the building.
“This register will show some of the types of properties that Historic Scotland believes can be sympathetically restored and will give the owners access to the most recent guidance on how to go about this. I am delighted to announce that the first castles and tower houses on that list are published today and am sure that as the project continues more and more people will benefit from the advice and guidance it will provide."
As the website develops, it will offer a guide to castle and tower-house restorations, and will show successful past projects. This will allow potential castle owner to understand what opportunities exist in developing these properties.
The Minister added: “This project will support and encourage those people who are inspired to take on the challenge of repairing and reusing our wonderful architectural legacy. It may be that their vision is to create a home, business or heritage attraction, but whatever the end use, this website will allow them to benefit from the expertise of others.”
The initial register of 17 sites can be found at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/scottishcastleinitiative. The register will be updated as the project continues. Medievalists.net will have more details about the medieval castles in our Castles for Sales section.