Work has started on Scotland's most intact 13th Century castle, The Scotsman has said.

Mingary Castle, which is located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula near Kilchoan, is in need of some much needed repair work after lying uninhabited for so long.

The shore walls to the castle have started to erode and Donald Houston, owner of Ardnamurchan Estate (which also includes the historic castle), said it was a 'now or never' project.

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In addition to having charitable status, the restoration project has been backed by Historic Scotland.

An Edinburgh-based archaeological team have commenced excavation on parts of the castle in order to preserve any artefacts. They have already discovered pieces of leather, a coin and a medieval bucket in the castle’s moat.

No long-term plans have been confirmed for the site, but it is thought future uses for the castle include luxury housing or a visitor centre.

Mingary Castle has not been renovated – or inhabited – for more than 150 years.

(JP/CD)