Old Rowallan Castle open days ‘a farce’

Jul 25 2008 by Ian Russell, Kilmarnock Standard

FRUSTRATED visitors to Old Rowallan Castle are branding a series of ‘open’ days at the historic building ‘farcical.’

Although more than 200 members of the public have taken advantage of Historic Scotland’s current invitation to view the 16th century attraction outside Kilmaurs, scores more say they’ve found reaching the castle itself like a ‘mission impossible.’

“The castle is still a hidden gem for me,” said one exasperated pensioner on Monday, after a failed attempt to gain entry to the estate.

“I was turned away at the gatehouse on the main road. There were ‘no parking’ signs and traffic cones everywhere.”

The angry OAP was one of many people who were initially delighted to read last week’s Standard story highlighting the ‘open’ days between July 16 and 25, but who then rang us when they were denied entry.

Said another, 85-year-old Mrs Cathy Little: “There was a metal barrier in place at the lodge house when I got there on Saturday afternoon. There were no information signs up and no one around to help.”

And Margaret Angus, from Kilmarnock, voiced her annoyance too.

Said Margaret: “I went there on Monday afternoon with my elderly mother and there was no space to stop the car, never mind park it. But even if there had been, how was I supposed to take a pensioner from the gatehouse to the Old Castle, half a mile away?”

On Tuesday morning we told Historic Scotland we had received numerous similar calls from confused members of the public. The Scottish Government agency insist they are not to blame, but diplomatically wouldn’t point the finger at anyone else.

Then on Tuesday afternoon yet another bewildered woman rang the Standard to say at least 10 people had just been told by a man at the lodge house that there was no one on duty at the castle to provide one of the free tours.

Historic Scotland say that simply wasn’t true.

“On Tuesday we had four members of staff on duty at the Old Castle, which was open as it was throughout the 10-day period,” said a spokesman. However it’s understood the agency can’t, for legal reasons, have any member of staff present at the lodge house, nor can they erect explanatory signs.

Doreen Grove, Historic Scotland head of understanding and access, said: “We are sorry if anyone wanting to visit Old Rowallan Castle has experienced problems of any kind.

“We have been delighted by the clear public enthusiasm for the 10 consecutive days of opening, which by Monday afternoon had seen some 210 visitors take the opportunity to see the castle.”

She would make no comment on the proliferation of ‘no parking’ signs confronting visitors and couldn’t give a satisfactory explanation as to why the ‘open’ days weren’t being publicised onsite at the lodge house entrance. However it was pointed out that Historic Scotland only have guardianship of the Old Castle – they don’t own it.

But she added: “If anybody experiences difficulties with access or with parking they can call us and we will provide advice to help.

“If anyone is unable to find parking for the remainder of this week, Historic Scotland runs monthly tours throughout the summer which bring people to the entrance by bus.

“They are then provided with an accompanied tour of the castle. In order to book a space just give us a ring.”

Have YOU been shut out of the castle during the ‘open’ days?

If so ring Tracy Smyth on 07826 902191 or e-mail her at tracy.smyth@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.