The Conservation Project

Old Castle Lachlan is a romantic ruin in danger of further collapse. It will continue to decline without consolidation work. Two corners collapsed many years ago and a third has a serious crack from top to bottom and will also collapse unless repaired. If that goes, the whole structure is likely to fail.

We plan to create a future for Old Castle Lachlan and its setting. We aim to do physical repairs to the castle, stabilising it as it is now - a dramatic ruin. There will be increased access. We will revive the designed landscape in which it sits, clearing rhododendron and bracken and planting trees, and build new paths through the wider area with a new footbridge across the Lachlan River. There will be events and information to enhance people's understanding and enjoyment of the area. We need a total of £2million for the work.

The first phase - emergency repairs to the most vulnerable parts of the castle - will cost £150,000.

In 2006, Historic Scotland's architect produced an advisory report, then in 2007 the Lachlan Trust commissioned a full survey and conservation plan from the conservation architect Martin Hadlington RIAS, BA DipArch, SPAB scholar, helped by a structural engineer, archaeologist, landscape architect and quantity surveyor.

Read more our conservation plans here. All the repair work will be closely supervised by Historic Scotland and must be done by specialist contractors.

What a story we have to tell!

As well as architectural and environmental heritage, the project also revolves around stories. We have been inspired by John Francis Campbell of Islay. In the mid-1800s he recorded the stories that Gaelic people told to entertain themselves. Storytelling and poetry were an important part of Scottish culture and we are inviting people to submit their own stories and poetry about Old Castle Lachlan to our Storybank.

The aim is to conserve Old Castle Lachlan as a ruin in a beautiful, natural setting. It is important that the foresight of those who created this place over the centuries, and from which generations have benefited, is honoured, and an appropriate legacy is left by the current generation for the future.

Conservation project

 

 

Old Castle Lachlan is a romantic ruin that will continue to decline without consolidation work. We plan to create a future for Old Castle Lachlan and its setting. Firstly we aim to undertake physical repairs of the castle, stabilising it as it is now, and providing increased access to the building [link to castle story]. We will revive the designed landscape in which it sits [link to landscape story] and build new paths through the wider area and a footbridge bridge across the Lachlan River. We are also developing proposals for a programme of educational, cultural and artistic activities that will enhance public enjoyment and understanding of the site. We aim to raise up to £2million for the work. DONATE

 

In 2006, Historic Scotland’s architect produced an advisory report, then in 2007 the Lachlan Trust commissioned a full survey and conservation plan from the conservation architect Martin Hadlington  RIAS, BA DipArch, SPAB scholar, with the assistance of a structural engineer, archaeologist, landscape architect and quantity surveyor. Read more in our outline conservation statement. (pdf)

 

The project revolves around stories. We have been inspired by John Francis Campbell of Islay. In the mid 1800s he recorded the stories that Gaelic people told to entertain themselves. Storytelling and poetry were an important part of Scottish culture and we are inviting people to submit their own stories and poetry to our storybank.

 

Click here to see photographs of the fragile condition of parts of the castle

 

Water penetration, weathering, ivy and tree roots are all taking their toll. We welcome visitors but there is a growing risk of falling masonry. Some important vaulted rooms are at risk of collapse. All the repair work will be closely supervised by Historic Scotland and must be undertaken to a high specification by specialist contractors. [link to Historic Scotland]

 

Conservation and management aims

 

The aim is to conserve Old Castle Lachlan as a ruin in a beautiful, natural setting. It is important that the foresight of those who created this place over the centuries, and from which generations have benefited, is honoured, and an appropriate legacy is left by the current generation for the future.

 

New structures will include the erection of a gate at the castle entrance, an improved access ramp, internal and external staircases, access paths throughout the area and a bridge to enable greater public enjoyment and to manage public access. A heritage trail will be laid out with discreet markers on the walking route from the B8000 to the castle and beyond to the site of a ruined settlement and chapel.

 

The trust aims to enable wide understanding and enjoyment of the site. A team of volunteers will accompany group visits, including school parties on field trips, and in the longer term an arts and culture programme will support the project.

 

Outline action plan and costs

 

The outline 2007 survey and conservation plan which provided a schedule of repairs and building work agreed by Historic Scotland has been costed at £1.5million by quantity surveyors Morham and Brotchie of Edinburgh. Overall costs including aspects not covered in 2007 are expected to be up to £2millions.

 

A comprehensive fund-raising strategy has been developed. It is easy and safe to make a donation. Please click here

 

Work to be undertaken in the next development phase is:

 

  • A survey of the tree stock
  • Scientific analysis of the mortar used to construct the castle
  • A drainage survey of the approaches to the site
  • A survey of the wallwalks
  • An access audit
  • Design of the public access arrangements during conservation work
  • Design of the scaffolding and permanent structures (stairways, gate, etc)
  • Research into the designed landscape and proposals for a new vision
  • Assessment of the archaeological support required during the works
  • Development of the brief and sketch designs for the new bridge
  • Expansion of the conservation management plan and long term maintenance plan
  • Preparation of a detailed budget
  • Securing planning permission and scheduled monument consent
  • Development of the arts, educational and cultural programmes
  • Consulting with stakeholders and identifying volunteers
  • Development of the evaluation methodology
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