History / Work on Scalloway Castle hoped to get underway this summer
LONG-awaited conservation work on Scalloway Castle could get underway this summer.
The historic attraction has been shut off to the public for some time due to the condition of parts of the building.
A sign on the gate says the area is closed off due to danger of masonry fall.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which looks after the castle, has now submitted a planning application to widen the pedestrian gateway in the boundary wall to allow for temporary mess unit cabins.
It will also provide essential access to supporting equipment for the duration of the works.
But it will be a long wait for the work to be completed, with estimates suggesting it could take at least five years.
“The essential conservation works will include dismantling and rebuilding of some of the decaying wallheads and chimneys and consolidating the structure of the and the castle will be closed whilst these works take place,” a HES spokesperson said.
“We hope that the works can begin in summer 2022, once the supporting infrastructure is in place and providing that the weather allows the work to begin.”
Scalloway Castle was the home of Patrick Stewart, earl of Orkney and Shetland.
Construction began at the end of the 1500s, and it served as both a residence and a courthouse.
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