Pitsligo Castle Trust News

Published Saturday, 19 February 2010

• Final report on the Archaeological investigations carried out in the Castle Garden has been received from Murray Archaeological Services.
  The report which details the investigations carried out between 21 September and 2 October 2009 was commissioned by the Trust to inform the manner in which the future development of the Gardens should be designed.
  The outcome of a consultation with Historic Scotland is awaited.
• All funding is in place for the £100k 1st Phase of consolidation and repair works on the Castle structure.
  Grant assistance is provided through the Rural Aberdeenshire Leader Programme and Historic Scotland.
  Works are programmed to commence in May 2010.
• A remit for the Trust's architects to enable the design work for the redevelopment of the former Kirk to house a Jacobite history and Scottish heraldry centre is currently being prepared by a sub group.
• The display panels developed to inform the public of the Trust's project proposals are on display at Strichen library until March 15. The next venue is Fraserburgh library, 15 March to 12 April.
  A second set of panels, normally on display in the Kirk are to be used as part of a Jacobite Day being held in Duff House on March 6.
• Funding assistance for the next phases in the programme of consolidation and repair of the Castle structure will be discussed with Aberdeenshire Councils advisors on the 'Leader' and Rural Priorities Funds on 24 February.
• Three new Directors have been appointed to the Trust. Patricia Seligman, Therine Henderson and Charles Burnett.
• Charles Burnett has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Trust's Working Group.
• The Education intranet website GLOW has been provided with extensive information on Alexander, 4th Lord Pitsligo, Hugh Mercer the Castle and the two Kirks at Peathill.
  This site will also be linked to the Trust's website.
  Pupils in the Rosehearty Primary School are working with Aberdeenshire Council's media unit to make 3 films on Lord Pitsligo, the Castle and Kirkyard.
• Fiona Hyslop, MSP, Minister for Culture has been invited by the Trust's chair to visit Rosehearty to view the project.
  A date for this visit has to be agreed.
• Maggie Craig, Author of books relating to the Jacobite period has written an article on the Trust's project for the 1745 Association's magazine 'The Jacobite'. Publication in Spring.
• An application by the Trust to remove a number of pews from the Kirk to allow space for the display panels has been approved by both Aberdeenshire Council and Historic Scotland.