Scottish Castles Association calls for Hallyards Castle to be preserved
The Scottish Castles Association has made a formal intervention in relation to proposals for a major data centre development at Auchtertool, Fife, which could result in the loss of the historic remains of Hallyards Castle, also known as Camilla Castle.
Hallyards has a long and interesting history, with origins as a property of the Bishops of Dunkeld before passing into private ownership in the sixteenth century. Although now largely ruined, the surviving remains and archaeological deposits have the potential to provide important evidence about the site’s development and earlier history.
Historic Environment Scotland has assessed the site as meeting the criterion for national importance, although it decided not to proceed with designation in light of the advanced development proposals.
The Association believes that the castle should be preserved in situ wherever possible. Archaeological recording, while important, should not be regarded as an automatic substitute for retaining the historic remains. We are therefore asking that alternative development layouts be properly explored before any decision is taken that could lead to their destruction.
The Association has written to Fife Council, Historic Environment Scotland, the developer, ILI Group, and the Scottish Government. The correspondence sets out our concerns, seeks clarification on the heritage and planning issues, and invites constructive engagement on whether the development can be accommodated while safeguarding the castle.
We will continue to follow the application and keep members informed of developments.