Campaigners have warned that there is only a short period of time left to save the majestic Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum from being damaged beyond repair.
The Victorian castle is the subject of an asset transfer bid from Scottish National Heritage to the Kinloch Castle Friends Association.
The association is seeking a package worth £1.5 million to take over the running and maintenance of the castle from the heritage organisation.
The money would come from SNH and provide funding for urgent repairs and for opening the castle as soon as possible.
Currently, it is in a precarious condition due to a leaking roof and basement according to Catherine Duckworth, the Secretary of Kinloch Castle Friends Association.
She said: “We can see the castle deteriorating so our view is we need to get someone in it to look after it to make it redeemable.
“Scottish Natural Heritage has spent hundreds of thousands (of pounds) on it.
“Despite that investment the castle still needs urgent repairs to protect it against lasting damage.
“We’ve had another visit by contractors and our major problem is water ingress through the roof and through the basement.”
During one recent inspection, condensation was found on the internal walls of the castle and this only adds to the outstanding issues which need resolved.
She said: “The castle’s heating system was not on for October, November and much of December leading to dampness inside.”
A working group was set up to come up with ideas to make the castle profitable again.
And the association hopes the castle, which was partially run as a museum, hostel and bistro, could provide accommodation for visitors again.
Mrs Duckworth said it was a “very profitable” model to move forward with.
The main priority now is to get someone to live in the castle as a caretaker to limit the damage being done to the building.
The total extent of restoration costs would run to another £5 million which could be financed through fundraising and a Heritage Lottery Fund application.
Mrs Duckworth said: “We’re actually pleasantly surprised by the structural surveys – a lot needs to be done but it is all doable.”
