Plans to turn Aberdeen’s Slains Castle into an “Instagrammable” cocktail bar have been withdrawn following concerns from Scottish heritage chiefs.
Owners Stonegate last month unveiled proposals to completely overhaul Belmont Street’s Dracula-themed institution as a Slug and Lettuce.
Under the vision, the ghoulish decor would be replaced with trendy “birdcage seating” and a bright and breezy feel.
Busts of Dracula and Vlad The Impaler would be turfed out, with fake cherry blossom trees and a “selfie wall” put up in their place.
But the plans, which sparked anger among fans of the Aberdeen haunt, have now been pulled back…
The move will give hope to those dismayed at losing the distinctive destination, though its long-term future remains uncertain…
Why did Historic Environment Scotland act over Slains Castle?
The B-listed granite building dates back to the 1830s when it was the West St Nicholas Kirk.
Under the plan, “all existing fixtures and fittings” were to be removed, including fireplaces and the huge central staircase.
Stonegate said the overhaul would have minimal impact on the building’s heritage value – arguing it had already been turned into a pub.
But Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has raised some concerns, insisting some of the mooted changes would result in the loss of important architecture.
The national body says features destined for the scrapheap, such as the timber-panelled doors and fireplaces, “make a significant contribution” to the building.
A letter to the council states: “There should be a presumption for their retention.”
Historic Environment Scotland says more Slains Castle research needed
And the watchdog says “further clarification should be sought” on the historic nature of the fireplace and ornate ceiling before consent is given for their removal.
HES experts have even offered to study photographs on the council’s behalf – “if helpful”.
HES is also against the idea of “projecting” signage being added to the main entrance…
The body says it would affect the “character and appearance of the listed building’s exterior”, while risking “unnecessary damage to the finely tooled granite”.
The group adds: “Planning authorities are expected to treat our comments as a material consideration.
“This advice should be taken into account in your decision making.”
Despite flagging concerns, HES says the issues noted are not of “national significance” so it has stopped short of lodging an official objection.
Days after their verdict, the proposal appears to have been scrapped.
Scroll back and forth to see the now-scrapped changes to the ground floor:
And here is how the first floor would be transformed:
But though the plans have now been retracted, they could yet be brought back from the dead with tweaks to accommodate any concerns.
Do you hope the plans are tabled again? Let us know in our comments section below
Stonegate tight-lipped over future of Slains Castle
And regulars reacted with horror at the proposed changes, with one blasting the relative “lack of atmosphere” at a Slug and Lettuce and another saying the move “didn’t make any sense”.
I’ve compared The Slug & Lettuce prices when it replaces Slains Castle in Aberdeen and I’ve noticed that the pint price is between £4.20-£5.00 on average whilst the present price at Slains is £3.50 which is a lot more affordable and therefore I won’t bother with The Slug at all.
— Kevin Tosh ⚔️🍀 (@KevinTosh14) August 20, 2022
Stonegate previously told us the transformation would make the bar a “place for everyone to enjoy”.
The firm has been approached for comment, and you can see the plans here.
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