Craigievar Castle, the iconic pink tower house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, that is believed to have inspired Walt Disney’s fairy tale castles, reopens to the public on May 31, 2024, following an extensive 18-month conservation project led by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Here’s the behind the scenes video of the conservation project.
The castle, nicknamed “Scotland’s Cinderella castle” due to its distinctive pink color, has undergone a meticulous restoration process to protect its structure and precious collections from the effects of climate change.
The £1.5 million “Pink Again” project, funded by NTS members, supporters, and grants from Historic Environment Scotland, aimed to revive the castle’s signature hue and provide the most protective conditions for its exquisite 17th-century plaster ceilings and original collections.
During the project, a team of conservation experts and specialist contractors from Harper & Allan applied over 13,000 litres of a special limewash recipe—enough to fill a small swimming pool—to restore the castle’s pink exterior.
The limewash, a traditional technique used on ancient walls to prevent condensation and damp, consists of lime putty, water, and a secret combination of earth pigments to achieve the iconic “Craigievar Pink.”
In addition to the exterior work, the team made discreet changes to the building’s detailing and slate roofs to better cast away rain and snow.
The project also included repairs to the castle’s harling and the conservation of its barmkin wall, one of the few remaining examples of this traditional protective boundary in Scotland.
James Henderson, NTS Operations Manager for Craigievar, expressed the charity’s excitement to welcome visitors back, stating, “Our charity can’t wait to continue telling the story of Craigievar, and we’re extremely proud that the National Trust for Scotland’s supporters and the project team have ensured that there are many more chapters to come.”
Iain Hawkins, NTS Regional Director for the North East, emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “Craigievar Castle and the Pink Again project perfectly encapsulate the National Trust for Scotland’s ambitious and wide-ranging activity to protect, care for, share and speak up for Scotland’s precious heritage, in support of our vision of nature, beauty and heritage for everyone.”
Visitors to Craigievar Castle can experience daily tours without artificial light, allowing them to view the castle interiors and collections as the Forbes family did for 300 years.
The castle’s lofty position near the Cairngorms also offers stunning views across Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside. Tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited numbers each day.
The reopening of Craigievar Castle marks a significant milestone in the preservation of Scotland’s cultural heritage and ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy this enchanting piece of history that has captivated visitors from around the world, including the legendary Walt Disney.
Reference: National Trust of Scotland
Read also: Best Castles in Scotland to Visit
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