Dunollie fundraisers receive conservation cash boost
A HISTORIC Oban site has secured almost £250,000 in funding to help preserve the history that surrounds it, writes
David McPhee.
Work is set to start at Dunollie museum, castle and grounds in the coming weeks, with the money being used to improve the look of the castle and stabilise loose stones, which are hazardous to the public.
The project is being funded by Historic Environment Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, The North American MacDougall Association and from on-site fundraising in 2015.
Ian Colquhoun, a castle visitor guide, said: ‘Dunollie castle has been overlooking Oban bay for at least seven centuries and is a prominent landmark, but three centuries of neglect and decay have meant it now needs to be actively stabilised if this iconic structure is to survive into the future.’
A community project will be running alongside the renovation, with unique opportunities for Oban residents to get involved, from assisting with archaeological measured drawings to participating in textile workshops and online blogging.
Visitor services manager Fiona Thomson said: ‘Generations of people from Oban have enjoyed this unique building.
‘Now, through this conservation project, Dunollie is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to connect with their cultural heritage and celebrate what the castle means to them and the town.
‘We’d like to support as many people as possible to get involved.’
Gillian Campbell, marketing and promotions officer, said: ‘I am very excited that we have an extensive community programme running alongside the castle works.
‘As a member of the local community, I think it is fantastic that we are able to provide such a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages to come along and be involved in something that they will enjoy.
‘I wish I had been aware of similar activities available before I left Oban to study – experiences gained from projects such as this are invaluable and extremely rewarding.’
Dunollie Castle was gifted to Dunollie Projects Ltd in 2013 and the first phase of the project was completed in 2014.
The money that has been secured will be used to complete the second phase, which will end with a light and media show at the castle grounds later in the year.
Sustainability and development manager Jane Isaacson said: ‘I am delighted that after two years of fundraising we have been able to secure these funds to allow us to start work on this second phase of consolidation at the castle.
‘There will be further phases in the future to complete the stabilisation of the ruin, but we are keen to get going with this phase as it will allow us to at last remove the safety fencing from within the castle compound, restoring the historic skyline and giving access once more to the beautiful, vaulted under croft.’
The grounds are scheduled to reopen on Friday March 25 and if work isn’t completed by then, on- site activities, including a behind the scenes tour, will be made available for visitors.
To get involved with the project or to find out more, visit www. dunollie.org