Historic Scotland: Rowallan Old Castle to be converted into unique hotel accommodation, while maintaining the historic integrity of the building
This image is FREE to use (issued on behalf of Historic Scotland) – following negotiations between Historic Scotland and Rowallan Castles owner Niall Campbell and East Ayrshire Council Fiona Hyslop (Cabinet Secretary for Culture – Europe and External Affairs) today announced on behalf of Scottish Ministers their intention that Rowallan Old Castle is to be removed from state guardianship. This will allow the owner to progress plans for the buildings sympathetic conversion into unique hotel accommodation as part of the Rowallan Castle Golf Course and Country Club while maintaining the historic integrity of the building – In order to provide for the future conservation and management of the building a detailed 30 year conservation plan has been agreed upon which includes conservation and maintenance stipulations as well as public access requirements. The plan was proposed by Mr Campbell and prepared by leading conservation architects with experience of working with historical buildings. The agreement is legally binding and would apply to any future owner or owners of the building during the 30 year period. Guardianship will only be rescinded once Scottish Ministers are satisfied that all these terms have been met. Mr Campbells proposal includes converting the Old Castle into an exclusive annex comprising 4 double bedrooms – dining room – lounge gallery and lounge sitting room (solar). Work is expected to get underway in Summer 2015 and take around 12 months to complete. Rowallan Old Castle dates from the 13th 18th centuries and lies close to Kilmaurs in East Ayrshire and came into the guardianship of Scottish Ministers in January 1950 when the current management arrangement was agreed with the late 2nd Baron Rowallan. The site also consists of the ruined remains of historic structures and an important 16-18th roofed and habitable domestic range – picture shows Fiona Hyslop (right – Cabinet Secretary for Culture – Europe and External Affairs) with Niall Cam