Council vows to find best possible buyer for city castle

Council bosses have pledged to find the best possible buyer for Dundee’s Dudhope Castle to preserve the historic building.

More than 500 people signed a petition calling for the former military base to be turned into a tourist attraction, after it was announced Dundee City Council planned to sell.

The castle is empty and was most recently used as council offices but a report outlining its sale said it could be sold privately and turned into a hotel or housing.

The council’s city development committee agreed to put the castle on the market, but asked officers to explore community asset transfers and long-term leases as well as sales.

It is hoped this may see Dudhope Castle taken over by a charity or heritage group, such as the National Trust for Scotland, to allow it to be opened to the public.

SNP councillor Anne

Rendall, who is a lifelong member of Dundee Civic Trust, said: “I hope a suitable buyer can be found who will continue to preserve the fabric and heritage of the castle.”

Calls were made to defer a decision at last night’s meeting but this was rejected by 15 votes to 11.

Labour councillor Richard Mccready, who proposed the delay, said this would allow officers to speak to heritage organisations about future uses.

“We are merely custodians of Dudhope Castle and we have a duty to make sure it is preserved as best we can,” he said.

“We are the only local authority in Scotland that the National Trust for Scotland does not have a property in.

“We should be speaking to them and looking to contact others.”

The council is still responsible for the building’s security and maintenance and will continue to preserve it until a new owner is found.

Robin Presswood, the council’s executive director of city development, said: “It absolutely is our intention to find a suitable future custodian.

“If the community or

third sector or heritage group can access funding for a community asset transfer we would certainly be very keen to speak to them.

“We will consider every potential lead to find a suitable guardian.

“It is very much about preserving this gem and securing the future of the castle.”

HISTORIC: Dudhope Castle, which dates back to the 13th Century, is currently empty.