Ayrshire MSP Sharon Dowey has praised local charity, The Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, for all the work they do at Dundonald Castle and in the community.
After a recent visit, the Scottish Conservative MSP highlighted the “incredible work” the staff and volunteers do to take care of the heritage site and provide a hub for local people.
The team of 40 not only contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists to visit the 14th century castle, but they also deliver an education programme and provide services that address issues like loneliness and mental health.
Dundonald Castle is a 14th-century hilltop tower house, with an intact barrel vault ceiling, and is a heritage treasure that was the historic home to Scots King Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce. Dundonald Castle reopened after the Covid pandemic in April 2022 but some parts of the castle are closed at present due to ongoing work by Historic Environment Scotland.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sharon Dowey said:
“It was a real pleasure to visit the beautiful Dundonald Castle and meet some of the staff and volunteers.
“Kirsteen and the team at Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO do incredible work in promoting the castle to tourists and providing a community hub for local people.
“Their services address issues like loneliness, the cost-of-living crisis, and mental health. They regularly host local groups and clubs such as the Knit n Natter, Scrabble Club, Crazy Castle Kids and the Ayrshire Young Archaeology Club, which is one of its kind in south-west Scotland.
“Their education programme attracts schools from all over Scotland and I was lucky to see children on a visit enjoying the castle and its surroundings while I was there.
“I’m happy to see Dundonald Castle almost fully re-opened and proud to have such a valuable heritage treasure in Ayrshire.”
General Manager of the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO Dr Kirsteen Croll said:
“We are pleased to see increases in all aspects of our activity, although we have yet to achieve the pre-pandemic levels. This is one of our primary challenges at present.
“Most parts of the site are now open permanently, with only a few areas remaining closed due to ongoing operations by Historic Environment Scotland.
“With the aid of our 40 staff and volunteers, our education programme is thriving, our groups and clubs are experiencing a growth in membership and events are resuming.
“It was lovely to have Sharon visit Dundonald Castle to discuss the importance of the heritage site and of the community hub for the local economy and community.”
