Clan chief rallies backing for iconic Ross-shire castle
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A CLAN chief has issued a rallying cry over ambitious plans to secure the future of an iconic Ross-shire landmark.
Castle Leod, which has been lived in by the same family for more than 500 years, has been heavily involved in the unfolding of Highland history, playing a part in landmark events such as the Jacobite rising of 1745.
But the “grand old lady” outside Strathpeffer is now seeking to reinvent itself for the 21st century with an ambitious £2million phased revamp plan that could ultimately see it open its doors to lodgers and become a classy venue for weddings.
This week, the Earl of Cromartie, John Mackenzie, who lives in one end of the castle, spoke of his hopes of seeing Castle Leod become an integral part of the local community as part of plans that would put Strathpeffer back on the map as a visitor destination.
The next stage of restoration work on the castle — which had a roof replaced in 1991 following water damage — has been boosted by a £219,618 grant to the Clan Mackenzie Charitable Trust which looks after it by Historic Scotland.
That will be put towards the £500,000 cost of completing major stonework repairs on the upper levels of the atmospheric Old Tower. The grant will only be released, though, when the rest of the funding package is in place.
A second planned phase concentrating on the remaining external stonework, structural repairs and repainting of windows is expected to cost around £600,000.
If funding can be secured for that, a £1million phase 3 will see internal restoration of the Tower, including the creation of a high class apartment on the upper three storeys.
This letting apartment would ensure the building is kept occupied with the money generated channelled by the Trust towards the upkeep of the building.
Lord Mackenzie, titular head of the Clan Mackenzie, admitted the scale of the work required was daunting as he allowed reporters to see first hand the extent of the damage on upper floors.
He said: “We need to be more diversified to secure a future for the castle. We’re trying to integrate the castle more with the village and have plans to stage weddings in conjunction with Strathpeffer Pavilion. We’re ultimately looking to open more footpaths.
“Strathpeffer is full of potential and has so much to offer. We’re looking for organic growth — it’s not just an iconic building, it has to have a use. The challenge is how to find a good 21st and 22nd century use for this building. I’m just a caretaker passing through.”
He added: “I see the role of a modern chief as a social link between people of the world, between people who are interested in Scotland. There’s scope here to educate people in the real history of Scotland, not the Braveheart version.”
Lord Cromartie acknowledged that while some people regard clans as an anachronism, there remains a huge worldwide interest and tourism potential. Clan Mackenzie stages a clan gathering every five years, attracting visitors from around the world, many of whom regard Castle Leod as a spiritual home.
Lord Cromartie said events such as the gathering are worth £250,000 to the local economy.
A keen mountaineer and outdoors enthusiast, Lord Cromartie is a geologist by training.
The castle’s colourful history includes a number of ghosts — one of which he believes he saw as a child — and at least one secret passage.
Asked about the prospect of raising such a substantial amount of cash, he admitted: “When it all goes disastrously wrong and water is coming in, you just have to grit your teeth and deal with it. It is a privilege to live here and it can also be a millstone around the neck. Having a black sense of humour is a prerequisite to living here!”
He said it had been observed before that maintaining a castle was “a bit like breastfeeding a dinosaur”.
Announcing the latest round of Historic Scotland grant package offers, culture and external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “It is vital that we protect our environment, not only for future generations to enjoy but to attract visitors from around the world who come to explore our history and heritage.”
The grounds of the castle include some of the finest trees in Scotland and have been used for a variety of events such as Easter egg hunts for local schoolchildren. Caberfeidh Shinty Club and Ross County Cricket Club also have bases within the grounds. Highland Games are also staged there.
Full details of the restoration project and how interested parties can get involved are on the castle’s new dedicated website at www.castleleod.org.uk
More inside this week’s Ross-shire Journal
