2009 UPDATE

It is ten years since the Trust was formed and the decision made to try to preserve these fabulous ruins. A huge amount of progress has been made and the castle’s history has been and continues to be rewritten. A new access track and bridge have been installed; about 1,400 tons of earth and rubble have been removed and a lot of the stonework conserved. So much has been achieved that most of the outer ward of the castle will be open to the public in 2010 which many people never believed would happen when we started.

This year the 15th Century Gatehouse and the 17th Century square staircase tower have been excavated revealing some remains of the fine flagstone staircase. There was a considerable amount of archaeological deposit which was not disturbed. Work began on the Moat project in the south barbican with local volunteers but further work is needed to fully understand this area as it was altered in the early 1600s. Some of the internal walls in the outer ward were consolidated and re-turfed. Wooded barriers have been erected where there is no walling.

The Trust is very grateful for all the support it has received from:

The World Monuments Fund
Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Heritage Lottery Fund
Highland Council
Historic Scotland

and the businesses, foundations, trusts and private individuals which and whom have made this project the success it has been.