“Like any exceptional conference, it changed my understanding of the subject.” That was the verdict of one heritage professional on our conference – Scotland’s Castles: Use Them or Lose Them.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the productive two-day discussions between the many disciplines involved in conserving and restoring castles. We discussed the major threats facing Scotland’s castles, including the devastating combination of shrinking budgets and climate change, and learned about experience in other countries.

In our second-day workshop we reached consensus on practical ways we can work together to encourage more people to restore and use castles. We will be publishing a digest of the key points covered in our discussions and a collective roadmap for the way forward. Thanks to the Engine Shed and Historic Environment Scotland for hosting us in Stirling.

(Picture courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland)