The Royal Treatment

Restoring history is a passion shared by Robert Pooley and his daughter, Katharine, both of whom have helped breathe new life into one of Scotland’s near-forgotten fortresses

Amid the backdrop of lush, Scottish verdure stands the majestic Forter Castle. Once laid to ruins, the Scottish Baronial castle now stands proudly in the heart of Scotland’s Cairgnorm National Park. This 460-year-old fortress is home to a rich history coloured by both romance and bloodshed. Having first been erected by the Ogilvys of Airlie in 1560, Forter Castle was destroyed in 1640 by the Campbells of Argyll in the midst of a clan war. For over 300 years, this fortress, once proud, had lain in ruins until its restoration in 1988.

Spanning a little over three decades, Forter Castle’s restoration was undertaken by one of United Kingdom’s most sought-after interior designers. Katharine Pooley and her father, Robert Pooley, had meticulously brought the castle back to life after centuries of dormancy. “My father had driven past the crumbling castle for 30 years, always dreaming of restoring a small piece of Scottish history,” Katharine said. “[Forter Castle] has proven to be the love of [my father’s] life. Undoubtedly, the reconstruction has been a huge undertaking, but he is a man of incredible vision and passion.”

In 2020, the Pooley family dream has finally been realised. Today, Forter Castle attracts attention from all over the world; it is a choice location for films, weddings, fashion shoots and intimate events of all kinds. Despite its tumultuous history, the fortress now stands as a rich and romantic testament to history. Its thick stone walls, turrets, large fireplaces and towers are examples of the traditional