A desperate race against time is underway to save one of Scotland's most ancient and picturesque castles from the threat of irreversible ruin. Saddell Castle, a formidable 12th-century stone keep perched on the shores of the Kintyre peninsula, is facing a catastrophic structural collapse without immediate intervention.
The Landmark Trust, the building preservation charity that has cared for the castle since the 1970s, has launched an urgent national appeal to raise £1.65 million. This critical sum is required to fund extensive and essential stonework repairs to stabilise the historic structure.
A Legacy Carved in Stone
Steeped in nearly a millennium of history, Saddell Castle's story is woven into the very fabric of Scotland. Originally built for the Bishop of Argyll in the 1100s, its sturdy walls have witnessed centuries of Scottish strife and clan warfare, having once been seized by the legendary warrior Somerled.
"It is a beautiful and incredibly important castle, but it is now on the brink," warns Dr Anna Keay, Director of the Landmark Trust. The primary threat comes from the failure of its internal floors and the roof, which, without support, are placing immense and dangerous pressure on the ancient stone walls below.
More Than Just a Ruin
This is not merely about preserving a ruin. For decades, the Landmark Trust has meticulously maintained Saddell as a unique holiday let, allowing the public to live within its historic walls and connect intimately with Scotland's past. This innovative approach to conservation has funded its upkeep, but the scale of the current structural crisis is far beyond routine maintenance.
The loss of Saddell Castle would be a devastating blow to Scotland's cultural heritage and to the local community in Kintyre, for whom it is an iconic and beloved landmark.
How You Can Help Save History
The public appeal is now live, and every donation will contribute directly to the intricate stonework needed to secure the castle's future. The Landmark Trust is urging history enthusiasts, proud Scots, and international admirers of heritage to contribute to this vital cause.
Preventing its loss is crucial; once such historic fabric is gone, it is lost forever. The campaign to save Saddell Castle is a battle to ensure this beautiful sentinel of Scottish history continues to stand guard over the Kintyre coast for another 900 years.
