Ann McLachlan says:

I am happy to report real progress over the last few months on the project to repair Portencross Castle. If you have visited Portencross recently you will have seen the magnificent scaffolding structure enshrouding the castle. Some of us find this a work of beauty in its own right - but one which we hope will have a fairly brief existence! After all these years, it is very gratifying to see, during the week at least, yellow jackets at various places on the castle. The other day I was pleased to see activity on both roof areas, as well as the regular squad of stonemasons proceeding steadily with the repair of the external stonework.

For those of us lucky enough to be allowed to visit the site, it has been extremely interesting to be able to use the scaffold to view almost all areas of the castle right up close. Not unexpectedly, some areas of the building are worse than expected, others less of a problem than anticipated. The latter probably includes the west garret gable. It was thought that this feature might have had to be fully dismantled and rebuilt. However, now bare of its covering of ivy and chicken wire, and with the agreement of Historic Scotland, it is hoped that more than 50% of the gable can be consolidated in situ. Likewise, the uncovering of the east jamb wallhead has revealed only one area which needs significant down-taking and rebuilding. On the minus side, some of the external pointing required to the stonework is more extensive and problematic than estimated, and the concrete roof on the east jamb, which we have long been warned might fall in any minute, is proving very difficult to remove! The fragile barrel vaulted ceiling in the Great Hall has been full restored internally and looks excellent, and the removal of the infill on the roof above this vault is now proceeding under archaeological supervision. An exciting find has been the uncovering of what appears to be the entrance to a bottle dungeon. (I was right!) Fortunately, Historic Scotland has agreed that this can be left unexcavated at this time. Another job for future custodians of the castle but one which we just can't afford right now.

It is suddenly a distinct possibility that the castle will open to the public in the summer of 2010, which will bring the next challenge. Funding is not generally available for ongoing support of this type of project and we will now have to give serious consideration to the implementation of the Business Plan. We expect to start recruiting paid staff for regular opening, and volunteers for specialist tours, outreach work, fund raising events for example, over the winter. If you think you might be interested in becoming involved in this way I would be pleased to have a chat at any time.

The education committee is making excellent progress towards final proposals for the education and interpretation themes, and expects to appoint a professional design consultant shortly. Watch out for the story of the castle cat!

Regular fund raising events continue this summer with the Art Exhibition, this year at Auldhill Cottage on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June, 10.30 - 4.00 both days, (offers of help will be gratefully accepted); and the Live Music Evening at South Banks House, once again featuring The Banned, on Saturday 25th July. Both of these events have become very popular and enjoyable and have raised substantial sums for the project. Many thanks are due to all who attend and assist at these events, and generally keep us going. As the project budget is now fixed, so that further contributions from FOPC will only result in a reduction in the Heritage Lottery Fund contribution, it is proposed that funds raised this year will be used to purchase items required to operate the Business Plan, for instance display boards and some simple furniture, which are not included in the project budget.

FOPC continues to be very grateful for the financial support of the Guardians and other donors. This support will be even more vital in the future when a regular source of funds will be vital to the successful operation of what we hope will be a small, but high quality, cultural resource available to all. And a lovely venue for future art exhibitions!

Once again, if you have email and have not yet done so, I would be very grateful if you would send me your address for future correspondence. No contact details will ever be made available to other parties.

Ann McLachlan Company Secretary, FOPC.
01294 823799.