Vital work on castle continues

Timber access steps leading to Tarbert Castle are being replaced in stages by volunteers as they work towards providing full access to visitors, writes Rita Campbell.

The steps at the west and east end of the castle are now 30 years old which means it has taken a considerable amount of volunteer time and effort to keep them safe and maintained in recent years.

Tarbert Castle Trust is grateful to Cour Wind Farm Limited through Fern Community Funds, which has awarded a substantial grant to replace the steps as soon as possible.

The main elements will be built from larch, which should reduce long-term maintenance needs in the future.

Design is on the principle of replacing the existing steps on a like-for-like basis, re-using current post holes to prevent any archaeological disturbance.

A considerable amount of material is being ordered and will arrive in stages.

The first flight at the western end of the castle was in a very poor state. It was removed and replaced on Saturday January 6. The skilled work was carried out by committed community volunteers, to whom the trust is very grateful.

As soon as the fixings and handrails are completed, the western steps will be reopened and work will begin on removing the eastern steps. Machining of timber and preparation of parts for on-site assembly by local contractors is in hand.

Volunteer work at the site will take some months to complete. But the trust hopes to have full access open for visitors this summer, who keep coming and thankfully make donations to assist the work.

Tasks involving the care for the Hebridean sheep continue to be carried out by volunteers. The sheep look after the grass and provide great photograph opportunities for visitors.

Other volunteers clear away rubbish, maintain the orchard and keep the pond in good condition.

Lorna Rushton, secretary of Tarbert Castle Trust, said: “All who can help us with this community volunteering work are welcome to our work parties at 10am on the first Saturday in each month. There are tasks large and small for everyone.”