New cash for castle work
Funding for Stirling and Doune
Two local landmarks are among the sites set to benefit from a cash boost of more than £6 million.
Stirling Castle and Doune Castle will be allocated a chunk of new Scottish Government funding which is designed to support conservation work, repairs and visitor facilities.
At Stirling Castle work to the Elphinstone Tower, the nether bailey and Chapel Royal will be undertaken.
At Doune Castle work will relate to the east courtyard wall and staff and visitor facilities.
The funding was announced by culture secretary Fiona Hyslop during a visit to Doune this week.
The cash boost follows the publication of a study looking at the condition of more than 300 properties managed by Historic Environment Scotland and setting out work required to address the impacts of deterioration and climate change.
The report estimates work costing £65 million is required over the next decade to restore and protect heritage sites for future generations.
David Mitchell, director of conservation at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Work to be carried out at Stirling Castle includes masonry conservation at the Elphinstone Tower, the nether bailey and the Chapel Royal , as well as improvements to visitor accessibility such as handrails in the nether bailey and Queen Anne Gardens.
“At Doune Castle work will include consolidation of the external face of the east courtyard wall and improvements to drainage in the courtyard.
“We are also currently working on improving visitor and staff welfare facilities, which includes moving the shop and upgrading the toilets.”
Dr Mitchell added: “This report is a milestone for Historic Environment Scotland a year on from the merger between Historic Scotland and The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.
“It is a significant piece of work, unprecedented for this estate, that will provide a basis for investment decisions over the next decade and determine how we will manage more than 300 of Scotland’s most cherished places and associated collections for future generations.”
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “Doune and Stirling Castles are iconic buildings.
“However, by their nature they are often difficult to care for and require specialist expertise to repair.
“Historic Environment Scotland’s new conservation study gives us a detailed understanding of the impact on these heritage sites and tells us what is required to protect and preserve them for the future.
“The funding announced underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting our rich history and heritage and will enable conservation work to begin at several of our treasured heritage sites.”