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Restoration of north-east castle takes fresh step forward

A planning application has been approved for a car park and toilets at Ellon Castle gardens. Alan Cameron is pictured beside the English Ewe trees, there are 16 trees and they are believed to be the biggest collection of English Ewe Trees in Northern Europe.
A planning application has been approved for a car park and toilets at Ellon Castle gardens. Alan Cameron is pictured beside the English Ewe trees, there are 16 trees and they are believed to be the biggest collection of English Ewe Trees in Northern Europe.

The restoration of a dilapidated north-east country mansion has taken another step forward.

Ellon Castle and its gardens were once the town’s showpiece but have been derelict for several years.

A community trust was handed the keys in 2015, however, and has since begun transforming the attraction.

Its doors are due to open later this month and the trust has now been given permission to create a 20-space car park and visitor toilets.

The castle dates back to the 1400s, while its gardens were created in 1715.

Over the years the grounds, which are overshadowed by the ruins of the castle, have become overgrown.

But following months of hard work, the external walls have now been repaired and secured, and it has passed health and safety checks, enabling it to welcome the public.

A water supply, drainage and electricity outlets have all been installed and volunteers will soon begin planting to breathe new life into the gardens.

The trust also wants to create a visitor and heritage centre and restaurant, as well as a children’s play area.

Membership is available for a small annual fee to allow admission to the garden any time it is open.

Anybody looking to volunteer to help the castle trust with its plans should email director of the trust Alan Cameron at acameron@elloncastlegardens.org.