Monthly Archives: February 2012

Dunans goes Amber!

Posted on by
Reply

We’re delighted to announce that we have recently moved onto the second stage of our application to SRDP by having our Statement of Intent given an amber rating. This means that we can proceed to a full application to the fund for our project.

The funding will help us clear and consolidate the castle ready to earn its keep and fund the ongoing restoration. We’ll be upgrading drive and parking as well as the paths around the grounds. We’re thrilled with this step forward, and with the capacity that the Scottish Laird project provides we’ll be able to submit the full application in the next three months.

There’s much more information on our website for Lairds and Ladies, although you have to be a member of the scheme to access it!

 

The Elements have Created Havoc at Dunans!

Posted on by
Reply

We’ve had wind and we’ve had rain. Both have created havoc with the grounds, toppling trees, eroding the drive and swamping lawn and field alike. So, the first order of business this year for the Lairds’ project is to remedy these.

At the end of February Tim Stobart is going to spend three days dealing with the fallen trees and mashed boardwalk. Here’s a video of some of the damage:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwSZLqnV58s

and as for the huge amounts of rainwater run off, well, that will mean hiring a minidigger and spending some days creating drainage dykes and runoffs (work that I really enjoy)!

 

Tours Schedule Launched!

Posted on by
Reply

We’ve been working on this solidly for a week, ensuring we have all the dates available, and that the grounds will be ready in time for the first tours in early April. We’re now set, and you can book tours from this site, here.

Of course the tours, and the fact that we live onsite distinguish the Scottish Laird scheme from all the rest. Not only are we a Scottish company, based in Scotland with the intention of providing a Scottish destination of quality, but we meet and greet our Lairds and Ladies whether or no they book a tour.

The tour itself is an hour long walk around the grounds with myself, Charles Dixon-Spain, telling the story both of the site, and the tale of how we came to be involved. You’ll see the Thomas Teford-designed bridge, the Victorian Path Network, the Castle and the various exotic trees and shrubs planted by the Fletchers (the original owners) in two and a half centuries of occupation.

You’ll need wellies or stout walking boots, wet weather gear (it is Argyll afterall), and a camera.