
When: Tues 22nd September to Fri 2nd
October inclusive
Who: Anyone over 12 years old
(12-14 year
olds must have an adult with them on site)
What: No experience needed.
You will need old clothes, waterproofs, food and a drink.

We can only have 17 people per day so book
your place now !
Contact: either Mrs Henderson 01346 571419
or Murray Archaeological Services 01651 806394
email cmurray@btinternet.com
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. |



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