Covid blamed for new Doune car park plans
Coronavirus is being blamed for a need to extend “undesirable” parking arrangements at Doune Castle.
The castle was built for Robert Duke of Albany between 1380 and 1400.
Its popularity as a historic visitor attraction increased after it was used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and in more recent years it was used as a setting for the popular Amazon series Outlander whose fans have also flocked to visit.
Historic Environment Scotland has now applied to Stirling Council planners for renewal of temporary permission for the change of use of landscape to car parking at the castle.
In documents submitted with the renewal application, HES district surveyor Jessica Hunnisett said: “While the shortterm impact of the continued temporary parking measures is acknowledged and undesirable, it is considered necessary to alleviate an acute current issue around car parking, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing social distancing impact of the pandemic.
“The loss of this facility at this stage would impact staff, visitors and local residents at Doune and would likely have a knock-on effect of increasing pressure on local car parking in Doune village.
“The removal of the coach parking and reinstatement of the land will have a significant and immediate positive effect on the setting of the castle and cottage, which overall will constitute an improvement to the site from its present appearance.”
The area affected by the application is immediately next to and to the front of the castle keeper’s cottage which is a category B listed building.
Ms Hunnisett added: “It was acknowledged at the time of permission in 2017 that the temporary parking proposals were detrimental to the setting of the scheduled monument and listed building.
“Permission was granted on the basis of a short term acute need to provide supplementary parking to alleviate pressure from increased visitors and local use, on condition that the parking was removed within a period of three years, and on the understanding that HES was actively working with other stakeholders to secure a long term sustainable transport and visitor management solution for Doune.
“Within the last three years, HES has been proactively engaging with the local authority and local groups to develop a long-term plan for Doune. This process is still underway and progressing positively, but at present there is no agreed infrastructure solution to the parking and visitor management issues at Doune.
“The coronavirus pandemic has affected visitor numbers at
Doune, particularly in relation to the significant reduction in coach and minibus tours.
“However, the number of cars using the site has remained high, due to social distancing measures, reduction in the use of public transport and the loss of organised tour buses.
“Demand for staff parking has also increased as car sharing is no longer possible, and visitor management at the site requires additional staff presence.
“To allow the continued shortmedium term management of the situation, HES are seeking to extend the planning permission for the car parking area in front of the castle keeper’s cottage for a further period of two years.
“The plastic mesh/grass surfacing has proved to be unsuitable for the turning and parking of cars on the sloping site, leading to this area being underused. Adaptions to the surfacing are therefore proposed in order to improve the situation and allow the parking area to be used throughout the year.
“The long-term aspiration for the site is to return the area around the cottage to its landscaped appearance.”
Council planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course.