Talks Offered on Castle Tioram Action Plan

The Vice-Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Michael Foxley is offering to convene a meeting of all interested parties to consider the repair and conservation of Castle Tioram, allow public access and establish a nearby interpretation facility.

Councillor Foxley, who represents Ardnamurchan and Morvern,  is looking to involve the owners, Anta Estates, Historic Scotland and the local community in the talks to agree the three-point action plan.

At a local public inquiry, he supported the adaptive re-use of the castle but he now accepts the outcome of a report by Historic Scotland’s Chief Inspector Malcolm Cooper, which says the castle is one of Scotland’s nationally important monuments and of particular importance for understanding the nation’s history.

He said:  “I fully agree with the Historic Scotland conclusions to complete a programme to repair and conserve the monument; to establish a regular and reasonable public access and I would like us to consider a nearby interpretation facility.

“This will all benefit the local and wider community economically. I welcome the offer of grant aid from Historic Scotland. The castle is visibly deteriorating and urgent action is needed now. I will convene a meeting soon to take this matter forward.”

By way of background, Councillor Foxley co-founded the Castle Tioram Trust, which raised £160,000 in six weeks to put in a bid for the castle.  The Trust was outbid by Anta Estates.

He tried to work with the owner last year to re-open public access, provide more limited accommodation and carry out conservation work.