Restoration of castles in Scotland

The restoration of castles and tower houses in Scotland, generally by private individuals and families, has been taking place for over a century[2][verification needed] and is of major significance in the field of historic buildings in the country, and sometimes a subject of controversy.

The buildings involved in restoration projects in Scotland vary from partially collapsed, roofless, stone ruins to continuously-occupied residences requiring major repair.

The work required may constitute a refurbishment – that is, the upgrading and installation of services without material alteration to the structure[4] or major changes to the interior and/or exterior of the building.

A restoration of the Great Hall of Stirling Castle was completed by Historic Scotland, a predecessor body to HES, in 1999.

The keep element was still roofed, but the L-shaped part was roofless and wall tops had fallen away, including those of two bartizans (turrets) where only the bases remained.

[11] This restoration required much research in advance, some conjecture in replacing lost features, and many discussions with Historic Scotland, the local authority in Haddingtonshire, fire officers, the architect and other specialists.

[12] After rubble, including fallen masonry, had been removed from the interior, the building work began with the rebuilding of walls, the insertion of new floors, the re-roofing of the L-shaped part and the addition of services, such as plumbing, heating and electrics.

In the course of these activities, several original features of the building were rediscovered, for example, on the second floor of the L-shaped wing, a mural chamber with a sunken recess was located behind an old cupboard.

[16] The process has caused debate, with Historic Scotland and local planning authorities rejecting many recent restoration projects.

This has been due to factors such as a lack of availability of suitable sites, a greater realisation of the huge amount of work and costs that may be involved, and greater reluctance on the part of the authorities to endorse and/or grant aid restoration projects.The best-known example of a rejected restoration project was that off Castle Tioram in Moidart.

[21] At Castle Tioram a very large sum was spent on surveying and recording the remains by an archaeological team, but work of this nature on a standing building can be expensive and can discourage restoration.