About FOPC

In Spring 1998, when it became clear that Portencross Castle was to be put on the open market by its owner (at that time, Magnox), many of you signed a petition circulated by the local residents group, the Portencross Association, supporting their aims to: keep the castle in public ownership by way of a trust; maintain the building as a stabilised ancient monument; and, ensure ongoing public access to the foreshore around the castle.

Although our Association tried to persuade a suitable public organisation (e.g., North Ayrshire Council and Historic Scotland) to assume the responsibility for the castle, our only successful approach was to a local building preservation trust. Unfortunately, when this trust came to us with their completed feasibility study, we realised that their plan was to restore the castle as a dwelling house to be used for holiday letting. We could not support this, and decided that our only option was to submit our own offer to purchase the castle. For this purpose, we formed a company (limited by guarantee and with charitable status) called Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC).

While our purchase proposal was rejected, so were (reportedly) a good number of substantial private offers. Magnox (by this time, BNFL), would not accept our proposed plan for FOPC to rent the castle for a nominal sum for a period of up to 5 years while we pursued funding. As they said, we had no track record or expertise in the business of castle repair (...which is quite true!), BNFL withdrew the castle from sale on the open market and publicly stated that they would not accept a private bid, but instead would seek the best possible outcome for the castle's future in a responsible fashion. We feel that this was a major part of the result for which we had been campaigning.

Some years passed, during which Portencross Castle continued to deteriorate,...absolutely the last thing FOPC wanted to see..., without any apparent movement away from this impasse. In order to move toward a resolution concerning the castle's future, FOPC decided to compromise in the extent of its rehabilitation, with the proviso that the ultimate ownership would be vested in a publicly oriented trust. With that in view, a London-based trust negotiated with BNFL and FOPC with the possibility of restoring the castle for holiday letting. FOPC agreed to support the trust's proposal to conduct a feasibility study, especially as the plan was to conduct this study equitably with two possible options: consolidation as an ancient monument or, restoration for holiday letting. We could not, however, accept the condition that if the best option was total restoration, then BNFL would transfer title to the London-based trust. One of our main objectives, when we formed the company, was that the ownership of the castle should eventually be secured, in perpetuity, in a publicly oriented trust established for this purpose and administered by a board of trustees,...we could not support any other outcome.

Possibly as a result of this question over ultimate ownership, the London-based trust announced in early 2002 that it was withdrawing from the project. BNFL invited FOPC to produce its own feasibility study (with the help of a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund), together with a business plan and ownership proposal,…all by the beginning of October 2002. This was done and, encouraged by BNFL support, we continued to pursue our ultimate goal.

Without going into further excruciating detail concerning numerous negotiations, studies, business plans, grant applications (ad infinitum), BNFL made the decision to support and encourage FOPC.  It was decided that BNFL would turn the title to the castle over to FOPC.  As a proviso, it was stipulated by BNFL that the few remaining BNFL-owned land parcels at Portencross would be part of the turnover.  Lengthy legal examinations ensued.

It is appropriate to note that, due to the requirements for public access to the castle levied by grant-giving bodies, it was necessary to modify our original goals to incorporate making the castle sufficiently safe to eventually allow the public controlled access to certain areas of the castle interior.

The end result was the official turnover of title to Portencross Castle and specified pieces of land to FOPC on the 22nd of December 2005.

Now, we have entered a new phase of endeavour...generating sufficient funds to pursue the goal of consolidating the castle structure.  Work has already been initiated to stave off water damage through the temporary covering of the castle roof.  This should minimise water penetration and reduce long-term maintenance requirements.  Hopefully, this would eventually allow safe access to some parts of the castle interior for the public to enjoy.

Historic Scotland has agreed to support this project on the condition that some support is also received from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  An application for the first stage of a grant (Project Planning Grant) from the HLF was submitted at the end of May 2006, with a decision due within three months.

We have a long way to go.  Although we hope to raise most of the development costs (currently estimated at approximately £820,000) from the main funders, we will be required to raise at least 10% through our own resources.  We will also be required to raise funds for long-term maintenance of the castle...this will continue to be a long-term requirement.

We will keep you informed of progress and urge you to continue the enthusiastic and steadfast support you have demonstrated.

               ***** TIME PASSES ***

After a plethora of bureaucratic to-ing and fro-ing, negotiations and general delays, Portencross Castle is on the brink of opening its door to the public!  The twelve years FOPC has been involved in working to get to this point is a testament to the patience and tenacity (perhaps stubborness, as well) of its members.  With a current target opening date sometime in June 2010, plans are being formulated for day-to-day operations pertaining to the castle.  From this point on, developments will be reported in the News section of this website. 

Much gratitude to all who have supported this effort!