THE real life inspiration for Outlander’s Castle Leoch could be in line for a visitor boost thanks to a heritage grant aimed at increasing access for the public.
In Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling novels, Castle Leoch is the seat of the Clan Mackenzie, with filming for the TV adaptation carried out at Doune Castle.
However, the writer is thought to have taken inspiration for her fictional site from Castle Leod, held by the Clan Mackenzie Charitable Trust.
Now the historic building, in Strathpeffer, Easter Ross, is one of seven projects to share a £586,500 grant from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The A-listed building will benefit from £13,680 as part of the third phase of works to open up the 16th century structure to the public.
Recognised as of national and international importance due to the quality of its architecture and the survival of both 16th and 17th century fabrics, the castle’s gardens and landscape are also included on official registers.
The money will be used to carry out essential repairs, paving the way for the creation of a visitor centre, study room and refurbished disabled toilet.
It is hoped the facilities will allow the castle to extend its opening days and hours, potentially benefiting from tourism from overseas fans of the Outlander series.
Meanwhile, A-listed James Watt Library in Greenock, which dates back to the early 19th century, will gain £297,000 to secure its long term future and reopen disused parts of the building, also improving facilities.
Repairs will also be carried out to the tower and spire of the Locus Centre in Perth, built in the late 1800s and acting as a community centre since 1989.
The B-listed Holy Trinity Church in Lamington Village, South Lanarkshire, will be repaired inside and out to improve community and visitor use of the chapel, while conservation, survey and analysis work will take place at the partially surviving cast iron fountain in Zetland Park, Grangemouth.
The structure, thought to be of unique design, dates back to 1882 and was part of the original design of the park.
Meanwhile, money will also go to convert the B-listed former Greenview School in Parkhouse, North Glasgow, into 28 properties for affordable rent, and the C-listed Memorial Hall in Paisley has been awarded £104,300 to assist in its conversion to a church and health centre.
Martin Fairley, head of grants at HES, said: “The purpose of Building Repair Grants is primarily to assist with the repair and reuse of important historic buildings and sites, but also to ensure that the end use is something which the wider community benefits from.
“Amongst the beneficiaries of the latest round of funding there is a former school in North Glasgow, disused since 2013, which is going to be converted into affordable houses.
“We also have a former Sunday school in Paisley which will become a health centre. And we are able to fund vital repairs to a community centre which has served the people of Aberfeldy for nearly 30 years.”
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