Initial plans to convert Rowallan Old Castle have started to progress, Historic Scotland has said.

Rowallan Old Castle dates from the 13th to 18th centuries and is located close to Kilmaurs in East Ayrshire, within the grounds of Rowallan Castle Golf and Country Club. Scottish Ministers are guardians of Rowallan Old Castle by virtue of a Guardianship Agreement dating back to 1950, when it was passed into state care by the Rowallan family.

Guardianship provides ministers with the responsibility for repair and maintenance, as well as presentation of a site. Currently, Historic Scotland look after the castle on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

But it is understood Scottish Ministers plan to remove the Old Castle from state guardianship. By doing this, the move will allow the owner – Niall Campbell – to continue with plans of transforming the hotel into unique hotel accommodation, as part of the Rowallan Castle Golf Course and Country Club. Throughout the process, maintaining the historic integrity of the building will be a priority.

-- Advertisement --

Plans for the Old Castle involve converting the building into an exclusive annex of the current 5-star Rowallan Castle and Golf Country Club. The annex would comprise of four double bedrooms, a dining room, lounge gallery and lounge sitting room (solar). Work is expected to get underway as early as summer 2015 and take around 12 months to complete.

A detailed, 30-year conservation plan has also been agreed and includes conservation and maintenance stipulations, and public access requirements.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, said: "Scottish Ministers remain absolutely committed to conserving Rowallan Old Castle as a nationally significant monument for future generations to enjoy.

"This step will pave the way for an innovative and productive partnership between the national agency, the local authority and the building's owner which will be in the best interests of the monument and the local economy."

Niall Campbell, owner of Rowallan Castle, commented: "I'm absolutely delighted with today's announcement. We've come a long way in getting to this point and there's still a bit of work to be done.

"Thanks to positive discussions with Historic Scotland and East Ayrshire Council, I'm now in a position to progress with plans to convert the building into something which can be lived in, using minimal intervention, in a sympathetic manner that is consistent with the building’s history and cultural significance.

"The end result will be a wonderful new space for visitors to the area, which retains all of the features that make the castle so special, and will be a benefit to the local community for years to come."

(JP/MH)