Home / Crime and Justice / Vandalism Threatens Historic Castle's Future
Vandalism Threatens Historic Castle's Future
2 Jun
Summary
- Vandalism breaches security at Old Inverlochy Castle, causing damage.
- Historic site closure extended due to safety and conservation work.
- Vandalism diverts resources from essential castle repairs and access improvements.
Vandalism at Old Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, is jeopardizing plans to enhance visitor access to the historic medieval fortress. The site has been closed to the public for safety inspections and conservation work, a situation now exacerbated by recent destructive acts.
Police Scotland reported that security fencing was breached on at least two occasions between May 5-14 and May 19-25. During these incidents, parts of the castle walls sustained damage. Authorities emphasized that entering the sealed-off site poses a significant risk due to structural instability.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is assessing the vandalism's impact on planned improvements. HES stated that repairing damage caused by vandals will divert vital resources away from essential conservation tasks already underway. Last year saw significant masonry repairs and the installation of soft-capping on wallheads.
Further work was scheduled for summer to improve visitor access, but its feasibility now depends on the extent of the damage from recent vandalism and subsequent repair needs. HES considers heritage crime a serious issue that can cause substantial harm to historic locations.
