Craigievar Castle in Scotland has been shrouded in pink netting for a major conservation project to restore its “fairytale” aesthetic.
said to have inspired walter’s castle Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle is covered in a seven-storey pink protective screen as restoration work is about to begin.
Craigievar’s multiple turrets and pink walls are famous features of the castle, but these have been challenged by extreme weather.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is undergoing a refurbishment and the facing of the castle walls was replaced in 2009, but erratic weather patterns caused by climate change mean more needs to be done to ensure the castle can withstand the increasingly soggy conditions. weather.
Ian Hawkins, NTS regional director, said: “Craigievar holds a special place in the hearts of local communities in Scotland and around the world, thanks in no small part to the castle’s famous pink exterior introduced by Sir John Forbes in 1824. .”
The castle has a Scottish baronial style and is one of the best preserved towers in Scotland.
“Make Craigievar pink again”
The trust is urging people to support its ‘Pink Again’ campaign to raise funds for the restoration.
Mr Hawkins said: “We have a responsibility to ensure this much-loved castle is protected from the impacts of climate change in a way that respects the natural setting and heritage of this magnificent building.
“If you’d like to help us protect this stunning castle from the rain and ensure that visitors can continue to love Craigievar for many generations to come, please consider donating to our campaign.”
The project, which involves applying layers of limewash to the castle walls to refresh the colour, is expected to be completed by spring 2024.
NTS has completed a similar project at Hill House in Helensburgh, by architect Charles Mackintosh.
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The structure there was protected by a massive chain mail mesh “box” to protect its walls from further damage and took ten years to complete.
While the grounds at Craigievar will be open to visitors throughout the duration of the works, the facility will be closed.