| Name of Chairperson: Mrs Therine Henderson, 4 King Street, Rosehearty, Telephone: (01346) 571419 The purpose of the "Friends" being formed, was to work with the North East Scotland Preservation Trust. (NESPT). The NESPT had plans to restore and develop the castle. The NESPT wanted the people of Rosehearty to be aware of what was going on. Mr Chalmers the secretary of the NESPT was invited along to a community council meeting where he explained to the council about the plans for the castle. Two members of the C.Council was then invited along to the next meeting of the castle trust. The plans for the castle was to be in 4 parts. Conservation Training: Masonry, Carpentry, Blacksmith, Silversmith, All traditional crafts. Redevelopment's of the Gardens: The gardens were outstanding in their heyday. The gardens would be an ideal location for a training centre focusing on the review of old gardens, their restoration and maintenance. This could create employment in Rosehearty. School of Heraldry: Pitsligo Castle has a wealth of armorial plaques and is in an appropriate location for such a centre as in research and training. Tourists could explore Scottish Heraldry and Genealogy. A library of Heraldic books and a photographic archive could be housed in the castle. There is no specialist heraldic library and information centre north of Edinburgh. Jacobite centre: this will focus on the story of the Jacobite cause. The 4th Lord Pitsligo Alexander Forbes, played an important and prominent part in the 1715 and 1745 Rebellions. The castle would be an ideal setting for such a centre. The castle in itself is important in its own right and its restoration would add to our national heritage. An example of a complex not otherwise preserved in this particular form. The castle is set in an area of the realm which is rich in heraldry. These factors coupled with the concept of Architectural and Horticultural restoration and training makes the proposed scheme unique in the United Kingdom. With this proposal being put to the Heritage Lottery it was decided that the people of Rosehearty should be made aware of what was happening. The idea for the "Friends" was to help promote the work that would be done in the castle. The "Friends" would promote the castle and help to raise funds. The "Friends" would also have representatives on the Castle Trust Board, this would give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas on what was happening to the castle. The "Friends" would also be able to keep a watch over the castle and to act as Guides. The children and adults alike would be able to learn new Traditional Skills. The castle would be a source of employment and learning which would be good news for Rosehearty. PITSLIGO CASTLE / PEATHILL PROJECT R.Leith 14.12.07 Therine, The following provides an update on the Pitsligo Castle! Peathill Kirk Project which can be used for newsletter or newspaper purposes. With the completion of the Project Planning Process for the project, December, 2005 at a cost of £43,000 with grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund amounting to £38,000, three significant documents were produced, a conservation management plan, an access plan and an audience development plan. Armed with these the Trust was hopeful it could progress the development of detailed proposals fairly soon after. However, everything has a cost and the professional fees required for this next stage was a little over £100,000. The Trust had to reassess the way forward together with our architectural consultants, and it was agreed to split the project into three main parts: (‘I) The consolidation and repair of the Pitsligo Castle structure (2) The development of the Castle gardens and (3) The development of the former Peathill Kirk to house the Jacobite and Heraldry Centre. The priorities were agreed as the Castle and the Kirk. With regard to the former Kirk, the fee required to develop this element is £70,000. Detailed discussions have taken place with Scottish Enterprise Grampian to fund up to 50% of these costs on the basis this would allow the Trust to seek the balance from sources which had been identified. Unfortunately, however, despite it seeming a positive outcome was likely, rule changes which have been placed upon enterprise companies over recent months on funding matters meant they could offer a sum representing 25% but on the basis it had to be spent prior to the end of March, This was plainly not possible. The search for the necessary assistance continues but with additional staff time now being committed by Aberdeenshire Council to the project the Trust is hopeful of a positive outcome in the next few months. Brighter news on the Castle. Funding assistance was made available through a Community Economic Development Objective 2 scheme towards the cost of preparing a report on the structural stability of the Castle. This report implemented by the Trust’s Architects, Nicholas Groves-Raines, together with specific structural engineering advice from John Addison, one of the leading authorities on historic structures in the U.K. was commissioned in August and completed in October last year. The report which identifies the implementation of a programme of consolidation works over 5 phases (5 years) at a total estimated cost in excess of £600,000 has been the subject of discussions with Historic Scotland with regards to grant assistance from their Ancient Monument fund. Historic Scotland have confirmed their support to the principle of funding these works and have indicated their commitment to provide assistance towards the works forming the first phase. Pitsligo Castle is now considered by Historic Scotland to be of the highest priority in terms of consolidation. The Trust will also be making an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for assistance with this phase all with a view to being on site later this year. A new project signboard shall be erected shortly at the Castle, which will provide information on the phased consolidation works. The other good news from Historic Scotland is their agreement to enter into a further 5 year management agreement with the Trust for the former Peathill Kirk. NB The first 5 year period expired last year. In this agreement Historic Scotland meet all normal running costs associated with the operation of the building, thereby relieving the Trust of a financial burden during the time it is attempting to deliver the overall project to the community. I hope this is useful Best Wishes Richard |
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