Delight as expansion at Dundonald Castle is given the green light
The charity organisation which helps manage Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre say they are 'thrilled' they've been granted planning permission to expand their offering.
A planning application on behalf of the group was previously lodged with South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission to make alterations and build an extension to the existing visitor centre in Winehouse Yett.
They wanted permission in place so that they could expand the visitor centre and form a new exhibition room, create new office space and have additional space for storage.
Now the plans have been approved under delegated powers.
In a statement on social media the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO said said: 'We're thrilled to share that planning permission has officially been granted for the extension of our Visitor Centre!
'This is a major milestone for our charity and for everyone who loves Dundonald Castle.
'The planned extension will help us create more space for community activities, events, education and enhance our visitor experience as we are currently bursting at the seams!'
The statement continues: 'We couldn't have reached this point without the ongoing support of our amazing team, community, visitors and partners— thank you for standing with us and keeping us busy!
'The next step on this journey is to secure funding to bring this vision to life. We're more committed than ever to making Dundonald Castle a place for everyone to enjoy, learn, and connect.'
The new extension will occupy a footprint of approximately 132 sqm.
In approving the plans, subject to conditions, council papers said: 'The proposed development will not have an adverse impact on the setting of Dundonald Castle, due to the separation distance between the extension and the Castle, and the ancillary nature of the proposals.
'The development is designed to preserve and enhance the character of the Visitor Centre and the surrounding conservation area, ensuring that the setting of Dundonald Castle remains preserved.'
Dundonald Castle includes the remains of a large oblong tower built for King Robert II around 1370, with a later wing added to the south.
The castle structure includes three principal storeys, with halls on the first and second floors. The external west wall of the tower bears the royal arms and those of the Stewarts.
The site also contains evidence of earlier settlements, including an Iron Age fort, a 12th-century earth and timber castle, and a 13th-century masonry castle, elements of which were incorporated into the 14th-century tower.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Tourists blast iconic Scottish attraction and brand it ‘overcrowded & very expensive'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TOURISTS have blasted an iconic Scottish attraction, branding it "overcrowded and "very expensive" with "rude staff". Every year, Edinburgh Castle welcomes around 1.9million visitors, making it one of the most popular landmarks across the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Visitors who have recently visited Edinburgh Castle have blasted the iconic attraction Credit: Getty 3 Many have said they found it to be 'overcrowded and very expensive' Credit: Getty Tourists from all over the world travel to see the incredible fortress, which has been sitting on top of Castle Rock since the Iron Age in the 11th century. In fact, the tourist spot is so well-loved that it often appears in the lists of the top UK bucket list landmarks and was recently mentioned in Europe's best holiday attractions. But not everyone has had a good experience when visiting the iconic landmark. A handful of recent tourists have been left unimpressed with the huge castle and said they felt the capital hotspot was underwhelming. While some claimed they found the staff to be "rude", others said they felt it was "overcrowded" and "poorly managed". The visitors took to the review site Tripadvisor over the last few months to complain about their trips to Edinburgh Castle. The queue was downright stressful, and the employees were quite rude. The worst experience we had in Scotland. Suggest to skip and spend your time elsewhere Negative Tripadvisor review Earlier this month, one visitor from France said she thought it was a "very expensive" attraction that was "wasn't worth it". They said: "Very expensive entrance ticket for the visit of this monument, which looks more like a fortress than a castle. "Very sketchy place with some museums and rooms to visit inside the castle, but nothing is really worth the visit, everything is very disjointed." While another tourist from Kirkland, Washington, in the US, said they "wouldn't recommend" it to people because it was "overcrowded" when they came this month. W Edinburgh Crowned Scotland's Hotel of the Year 2025 They wrote: "Was disappointed in Edinburgh Castle. Of course, we expect crowds at tourist sites, but it felt poorly managed and overcrowded on our visit. And there seemed to be a lack of staff to manage and guide visitors... "Overall, I'm glad we visited, but, would not return again and wouldn't recommend this to friends as a must-do in Edinburgh compared to other experiences and sites." A second visitor from the US, this time from Stewartsville, New Jersey, slammed the "rude staff" and called it "the worst experience we had in Scotland". Back in May, they posted: "It is so unfortunate that they pack so many people in at once. The queue was downright stressful, and the employees were quite rude. The worst experience we had in Scotland. "Suggest to skip and spend your time elsewhere. There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh. You can get photos of the castle from all over. Don't miss the hidden gems in this city." Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who look after Edinburgh Castle, replied to the negative comments and said they were "sorry to hear that it did not live up to expectations". Responding to claims about the attraction being expensive, the charity said: "We take value for money very seriously and are constantly seeking ways we can upgrade the experience to meet visitors' needs and expectations. "The admission costs for Edinburgh Castle are regularly reviewed to ensure value for money - our admission cost not only contributes to maintaining this beautifully historic location but also contributes to preserving our 340+ sites across Scotland. "We do offer excellent value membership or explorer passes for those wanting to explore a variety of locations. "Unlike other castles, Edinburgh Castle has spent a large portion of its existence as a military fortress rather than a Royal residence and, as such, offers a different visitor experience. "As it is a functioning military base, there are parts of the castle that are not open to visitors. 'Best of the Best' Attractions DESPITE some negative reviews, Edinburgh Castle is known globally for its rich history incredible views. Just this week, it was named among Tripadvisor's annual Travellers' Choice Awards and was deemed as one of the "Best of the Best Things To Do" across the UK. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the capital city is over 900 years old, after been built in 1103AD by King David I. It became a well-known residence to Scottish royalty in the 12th century and is now a hotspot for many curious tourists. It generates around £14.7m from 1.9million visitors per year. An adult ticket to enter the castle is £21.50 online or £24 on the day, while a child ticket costs £13 online or £14.50 on arrival. Concession tickets cost £17 online, or the walk-up price is £19. Other family packages and flexi tickets are also available. "However, we believe there is a wealth of things to see and do, including the Honours of Scotland, the Prisons of War and Fight for the Castle exhibitions, the National War Museum of Scotland, St Margaret's Chapel – the oldest building in Edinburgh." When it came to claims of overcrowding, HES said: "Visitor numbers, which increased post-pandemic but remain below pre-pandemic levels, are managed to ensure a first-class visitor experience. "While the Castle regularly sells out during peak season from late June through August, there are no plans to return to pre-pandemic visitor levels. We can assure you that we continue to monitor and assess this situation." Replying to comments about rude staff, the charity added: "We are also very sorry to hear that your experiences with our staff fell below our standards. "We will share this with the castle team as part of our continuous improvement process." If you are visiting Edinburgh, you cannot miss this spectacular castle. Put it first on your list. Amazing history positive Tripadvisor review Despite the negative comments, many were quick to flock to the review site to heap praises on Edinburgh Castle, which is rated 4.4 stars out of 53,678 reviews. Many gushed over the iconic attraction, which is ranked number 13 on the list of 608 things to do in the city, with one calling it "simply unforgettable". A user said: "Absolutely brilliant experience. The Castle is on top of the rock with a great view of the city.. Not to be disappointed, book your tickets in advance." Another added: "Even after all our research, Edinburgh Castle was larger and more impressive than we anticipated! It's easily walkable, and every corner offered something interesting. A must-see landmark when visiting Edinburgh — give yourself plenty of time to take it all in!" Someone else wrote: "If you are visiting Edinburgh, you cannot miss this spectacular castle. Put it first on your list. Amazing history." And a fourth posted: "One of the coolest and prettiest places I have ever been to. The castle is stunning with lots of things to do for the old and young." While a fifth chimed in: "It was an incredible, nostalgic journey. Wonderful country. Simply unforgettable".
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Inside Scotland's 'cleanest town' that's home to Iron Age homestead and 17th Century fort
Home to around 7,000 people, town is packed with history and nature. While major cities like Dundee and Glasgow continue to struggle with growing levels of litter, studies have found that Shetland is setting an example for the rest of Scotland in cleanliness. A report from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful last year highlighted that 98.7 per cent of public spaces in Shetland are predominantly litter-free, the highest rate in the country. This remarkable achievement has earned Lerwick, Shetland's capital and main port town, the title of Scotland's cleanest town. It is home to around 7,000 people and serves as the largest settlement in UK's most northerly archipelago. Lerwick offers a perfect base for exploring the remote island chain. Situated almost equidistant between Aberdeen and Bergen in Norway, the town boasts a unique blend of Scottish and Nordic culture, historic charm and natural beauty. Visitors to Lerwick can explore some of the town's standout attractions, including Clickimin Broch, one of Scotland's best-preserved Iron Age structures. Located on the shore of Clickimin Loch, the broch complex showcases over a thousand years of settlement history. The broch tower itself still stands impressively tall, while the site is surrounded by a thick stone wall. A particularly intriguing feature is a sculpted stone on the causeway bearing a pair of human feet, believed to date back to the late Iron Age or early historic period. Experts suggest it may have been linked to ancient kingship or inauguration rituals. Another major landmark is Fort Charlotte, one of just three 17th and 18th century military bases in Scotland that still serve a military role, alongside Edinburgh Castle and Fort George near Inverness. Built between 1652 and 1653, its first incarnation was destroyed 20 years later during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. It was built in its current form in 1781 and named after Queen Charlotte. Though it never saw active combat following its reconstruction, it housed a garrison during the Napoleonic Wars and later served as a Royal Naval Reserve base. Between 1837 and 1875, it functioned as Lerwick's jail and courthouse, and was later used as a custom house and coastguard station. Despite now being surrounded by homes and streets in the centre of Lerwick, Fort Charlotte remains an important historical site, connected to the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the town's early development. Beyond its historic sites, Lerwick also offers an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife experiences. Visitors can go orca spotting in the surrounding seas or stay onshore to explore the island's diverse marine life. Lerwick even has its own beach, Bain's, just a short walk from the town centre. It has featured heavily in BBC crime drama Shetland, as it sits beside main character Jimmy Perez's home. Those seeking solitude can venture further to explore more remote beaches scattered across Shetland's mainland. Sumburgh, located at the southern tip of the island, is famed for its sweeping white sands - and you can also spot puffins there at certain times of the year. Spiggie Beach, also in the south, is praised for its crystal-clear waters, often compared to those of a Greek island, albeit with a cooler climate. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. St Ninian's Isle beach is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Shetland. The sand causeway that links the mainland to the uninhabited St Ninian's Isle is the largest tombolo in the UK. Another popular Shetland bay is Skaw Beach, which takes you away from the mainland to the island of Unst. The beach, which is famous for being the most northerly in the UK, is backed by a meadow of wild flowers during spring and summer. After a day of sightseeing, visitors can enjoy a meal or drink in one of Lerwick's welcoming pubs and restaurants. The Lounge Bar, rated the top spot on TripAdvisor, is popular for its live music and relaxed atmosphere. For a bite to eat, No 88 Kitchen and Bar comes highly recommended, offering a unique fusion of Scottish, British and Philippine cuisine.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside 'cleanest town in Scotland' that's home to beautiful beaches and whale watching
Shetland has been named the cleanest place in Scotland, with almost 99 per cent of public spaces across the archipelago being litter-free - and the main town has plenty to offer tourists Scotland is battling a significant litter issue, reportedly worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Urban areas have been hit hardest, with Dundee and Glasgow topping the list of Scotland's most littered cities, as per a recent report from Keep Scotland Beautiful featured in The Herald. However, other parts of Scotland are being praised for their cleanliness. Shetland has earned the title of Scotland's cleanest place. The new data reveals that an impressive 98.7% of public spaces on the archipelago are predominantly free of litter - the highest percentage in the country. This honour allows Lerwick, Shetland's main port, to boast the title of Scotland's cleanest town. As the largest settlement on the island group, housing around 7,000 residents, it serves as the perfect starting point to discover this remote part of Scotland. Situated almost halfway between Bergen in Norway and Aberdeen, Lerwick offers a unique culture. Its quaint lanes and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal holiday destination - with top attractions including the Iron Age broch of Clickimin and the Shetland Museum, reports the Daily Record. Visitors can also enjoy orca watching in the nearby seas or stay on land to explore the captivating marine life around the islands. Lerwick even boasts its own beach, Bain's, just a stone's throw from the town centre. If you fancy a bit of solitude, there are plenty of beaches scattered around the Shetland Mainland. Sumburgh, situated at the southernmost point of the island and just a half-hour drive away, is famed for its breathtaking white sands. Also nestled in the southern region of the island is Spiggie Beach. Its pristine waters have been likened to those of a Greek island, albeit with a cooler climate. After a day of adventuring, unwind with some grub or a drink at one of Lerwick's pubs or restaurants. The Lounge Bar, which holds the top spot on TripAdvisor, provides live music for its guests. For a bite to eat, No 88 Kitchen and Bar comes highly recommended. This local gem dishes up an intriguing blend of Scottish, British and Philippine cuisine.
