Prince Charles is being asked to back a bid to save a remote Hebridean castle.
Kinloch Castle Friends Association (KCFA) want to take on the castle, on the Isle of Rum, in a community asset transfer from Scottish Natural Heritage.
But SNH – which is keen to dispose of the A-listed property – rejected their bid last year amid concern the group does not have the funds to maintain the castle.
Now KCFA has written to Prince Charles to ask him to back their attempts.
Kinloch was highlighted on the BBC2 Restoration series in 2003 but despite attracting 143,000 votes, it failed to win the £3m prize towards the cost of restoring it. It did however, catch the prince’s interest and he called a meeting to investigate a restoration package but despite his attempts, the project never materialised. In the meantime, it is continuing to deteriorate due to water penetration and damp, which means the cost of restoration is continuing to increase.
Catherine Duckworth, KCFA secretary, said the prince’s support would be “very welcome”.
“We have seen what his has done to Dumfries House in Ayrshire – not just to the house, but to the wider community,” she said.
“And though ours is on a much smaller scale we would welcome his help – not just for restoring the castle, but what it would also mean for the island community.
“The island needs a lot more visitor accommodation and the castle is a major draw. But it is getting worse all the time and it needs saved.”
Historic Environment Scotland is involved in new talks to find a solution to secure the future of the building.
KCFA had submitted a business plan to take over the 123-year-old castle and turn it into an attraction and wedding venue, with a 51-room B&B.
“HES particularly have been most supportive and have intimated that there is a grant of up to £500,000 for which they suggest we apply at the end of this year,” said Mrs Duckworth.
“We can’t get funding without the agreement of SNH and can’t get their agreement without funding. No doubt we will persist and achieve a satisfactory agreement shortly.
“We have taken legal advice about future commercial models and believe that there is the potential for any private donors to have an investment return once the castle is operational. We are confident that our project will achieve a profit and would be a good investment.”
