Calls for more restoration work at castle
There have been calls for more work to be carried out in a bid to restore Strathaven Castle.
At the last meeting of Strathaven Community Council, concerns were raised about damage to the structure and the surrounding area – with the steps, in particular, highlighted.
The council stated that they are awaiting information on the appointment of a case officer from South Lanarkshire Council.
Strathaven Castle, which is regularly visited by tourists and locals, underwent emergency repairs when huge concrete slabs were spotted falling from the structure.
Now independent Avondale councillor Margaret Cooper has urged South Lanarkshire Council chiefs not to take the structure for granted.
“The castle in Strathaven is a central and impressive feature of the town,” she said.
“We are prone to take for granted something that has always been there.
“But, like all stone buildings, they deteriorate over time and require extensive restorative work.
“This can be very costly and steps are being taken by the council and the community council to consider routes to funding for this purpose.”
In response, a spokeswoman for South Lanarkshire Council stated that the regeneration of the castle is being examined but insisted work is carried out if required.
“South Lanarkshire Council takes its responsibility towards the preservation of Strathaven Castle seriously and will continue to respond to emergency repair situations,” she told the Advertiser.
“In terms of the wider conservation of the town, the council is working closely with a range of partners as part of the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, a five-year project launched in August last year.
“Its aim, through maximising funding opportunities for a wide range of projects, is to enhance and safeguard the conservation area, contribute to the vitality and viability of Strathaven town centre and, by default, the town itself.”