Tarbert Castle
Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust established a proposal to seek ownership on behalf of the community the long neglected but very important asset of Tarbert’s Royal Castle. Apart from the Castle’s historic importance its visual presence cannot be separated from The Village of Tarbert and all that that means to local tourism. Unfortunately this very visual presence is threatened by the poor condition and possible total loss of the most prominent feature the Tower House. This latter situation was the main stimulus for the Trust to act although the possible future potential for community benefit was also uppermost in the director’s minds.
The trust commenced negotiations with the previous owners hoping that a sale could be agreed which would allow us to apply for assistance from the Community Land Fund. The outcome however was an agreed transfer of ownership at a nominal cost of fees subsequently paid by the Land Fund.
The following strategy is proposed with the objective of stabilising the ruin as it stands with improved visitor access and amenity for the scheduled area. The 2006 summer opening of the Kintyre Way with the Castle as its starting point in Tarbert has added to the urgency of making a start and an application for Scheduled Monument Consent has been made for preliminary work.
PROPOSED STRATEGY and ACTION PLAN
- Clear the landscape of the Scheduled Area of litter and alien vegetation to reduce further damage to the ruins by invasive growth and re-establish historic views of the Castle and Village. The Tarbert Conservation Initiative has been established with one of its objectives to provide a sustainable volunteer force. The result of this work will hopefully expose a grass covered outline of the original Castle form much as it was in the 1970/80’s without any intervention which would disturb the archaeological remains.
- Reinstate temporary structural reinforcement of the Tower House to prevent complete collapse or further losses in the short term. This work was carried out in the 70/80’s but the timber framework used has now almost entirely rotted and several areas have collapsed making the whole structure more vulnerable. With the structure secure safe access will allow detailed survey work to help develop a permanent solution. A local engineer has been asked to assess the temporary works and prepare a report.
- The formation of a public picnic site adjacent to the existing interpretation boards, Castle access and the path commencing the Kintyre Way. This proposal would include the provision of a pony rail requested by a local riding establishment which is developing recreational and educational trails visiting local historical sites. Also included would be litter disposal arrangements at the picnic site and other locations in the Scheduled Area as this has clearly been an ongoing problem.
- Commission the preparation of proposals to permanently stabilise the Tower House to allow public access and interpretation of the structure and its history.
- Carry out an assessment of the whole site area considering access ( including disabled ), interpretation and further visitor and educational possibilities. Sustainability issues required to be addressed to ensure a secure long term future for the site as a visitor attraction and historical/ educational resource essential to the community’s wellbeing.
TIMESCALE
Although the strategy is described as a number of proposals these are not necessarily in chronological sequence but must all be addressed in a holistic approach to the whole site asset.
Numbers 1 & 3 take some urgency from the Kintyre Way opening date of the 10th June and are being given priority.
Number 4 depends on safe access established by 1 & 2.
Number 5 will be developed through the outcomes of all other action.
The Trust will attempt to maintain progress on all elements of the strategy simultaneously.
Funding will drive the timescale but it is hoped that the strategy elements will open the possibility of a number of funding sources which can be co-ordinated into an overall plan.
Robert McPhail
Director TSCT
March 2006