Editorial – The Scottish Banner Says….

October 2024 (Vol. 48, Number 04)

The Banner Says…

Caring for Scotland’s castles

Think of Scotland and many will think of tartan, whisky and likely also castles. Those impending fortresses that scream of power, defence and history. The saying ‘if these walls could talk’ surely has no better place to be said than from inside a castle wall. Scotland has castles dotted across the country, some are ruinous remains of the past and others are still incredible sights to be seen.

Any visitor to Edinburgh cannot help but see the mighty Edinburgh Castle which sits atop an extinct volcano and dominates the city centre, it also has the title of Scotland’s most-visited paid-for attraction. Whilst Castle Sween in Argyll is an imposing ruin and thought to be one of the oldest stone castles built in mainland Scotland, dating back to the 1100s.

Every castle has a story to tell

Scotland has had thousands of castles which date back centuries. Every castle has, an often bloody, story to tell and remain an incredibly important part of Scottish history and culture. Caring for these iconic seats of power is a challenge that Scotland takes seriously. The hardfought battles of the past have taken on a new meaning as these heritage sites future proof these iconic, but expensive, places of the past for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Keeping the incredible original construction protected whilst balancing the needs of modern visitors must be a constant, but crucial, demand for those in their care. One of the organisations that care for many of Scotland’s castles is the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). This year marks 40 years since the NTS took stewardship of the 13th century Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire, and has recently begun conservation works to enhance the visitor experience.

Conservation project

The castle makes up a part of Scotland’s Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire, the region known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’. Fyvie Castle is considered one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in the country with an incredible history. The castle has served as a royal stronghold for King William ‘The Lion’ of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, and served as a home for the infant Charles I.

Essential conservation works have also begun at the 15th century Kisimul Castle in the Outer Hebrides. Kisimul Castle was built on an island in Castlebay, on the Isle of Barra and is the seat of the MacNeils of Barra. The castle’s unique location has caused logistical challenges with helicopters being used to transport some of the heavy equipment and materials to the site.

Earlier this year Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire reopened after a complex 18-month conservation project. One of the best-preserved examples of a tower house castle and often nicknamed ‘Scotland’s Cinderella Castle’, Cragievar is famous for its iconic pink colour scheme, stunning 17th century plaster ceilings and original collections and is now able to again tell its fairytale history to visitors.

In this issue

Castles make up just part of a new drive which has been launched in Argyll which celebrates Gaelic culture. You do not need to speak the language to take in some amazing spots on the coast of the Gaels which includes nature, history and celebrates Gaelic language.

I recently had the chance to see Scottish actor, writer and singer Alan Cumming live. The BAFTA, Emmy, Tony and Olivier Award winner transported the audience through both Scotland and his career in words and song. Alan is always on the move and his latest announced project sees him taking up the role as Artistic Director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre from January 2025.

Dr. Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains was confirmed in August 2019 by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as Clan Chief of the Clan and Family Carruthers. The Carruthers are an ancient Scottish family from Annandale in the Scottish Borders and recently gathered at their ancestral lands to inaugurate their first chief in over 200 years.

Keeping these strongholds of the past alive today

Successful shows and films such as Outlander have also created a surge in people wanting to see where the past and fantasy intermingled on film. Locations of the hit TV series, which returns soon to television, include Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) and Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) and have seen a huge spike in visitor numbers due to the show.

While every tourist on the road to Skye will no doubt stop at one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan Castle, which was in fact rebuilt in the 1930’s after being in ruins for hundreds of years. This restoration has made the castle one of the top photo spots in the nation and shows what benefits keeping these strongholds of the past alive today.

I have been renovating my home for over 2 years and it forever feels like an ongoing project. I just cannot imagine what a forever project a historic castle must be, it is however the duty of Scotland to keep these sites protected for those who come after us to enjoy, celebrate and to be part of the future Scottish experience.

Do you have a favourite Scottish castle? Do you have you any comments from the content in this month’s edition? Share your story with us by email, post, social media or at: www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us

#ScottishBanner, #TheBanner #NewsForGlobalScots

The Scottish Banner is more reliant than ever on our readers helping us to provide you with our unique content by buying a copy of our publication, regardless if by print or digital subscription or at a retail outlet.

We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy this edition.