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The Castle Roy Trust
- Membership number 10217
- Charity registered in Scotland SC041335
Castle Roy Trust is a Scottish charitable organisation (SCIO No. SC041335) dedicated to preserving and sharing Castle Roy, a unique 12th-century fortress on the edge of Nethy Bridge in the Highlands.
Built by the Clan Comyn and later associated with Clan Grant, Castle Roy is one of the oldest unaltered castles of its kind in Scotland. Its thick stone walls, still standing up to 25 feet high, make it a striking landmark. The Trust’s mission is simple but vital: to conserve the castle “as it stands,” protect it for future generations, and make it freely accessible to all.
Since acquiring the site in 1994, the Trust has completed major consolidation works, reinforcing the foundations and halting centuries of deterioration. Thanks to this work, Castle Roy was safely reopened to the public in 2022. Visitors can now enjoy not only the castle itself but also the surrounding grounds, which have been enhanced with paths, wildflowers, and a wildlife pond.
The castle is more than a historic ruin. It has become a valued community space, hosting open days, guided tours, weddings, and cultural events. With its flexible outdoor areas – from the “Matrimonial Meadow” to the sheltered courtyard – Castle Roy provides a memorable setting for gatherings of all kinds.
Fundraising and public support are central to the Trust’s work. Creative initiatives such as the “Square Yard” scheme, where supporters can symbolically adopt part of the castle, help maintain the site. Grants from heritage bodies and donations from individuals further sustain its conservation.
Volunteers also play a key role, whether assisting with events, welcoming visitors, or helping with upkeep. The Trust’s model shows how local people, working together, can preserve heritage while enriching community life.
Castle Roy Trust is therefore not only protecting an important medieval site but also using it to inspire, educate, and bring people together. It stands as a shining example of how a voluntary organisation can care for Scotland’s past while giving it purpose in the present.
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