WORK is well underway at Irvine’s historic Seagate Castle to help preserve it for generations to come, council bosses say.
The works, expected to last around 28 weeks, started at the end of July.
Contractors have, so far, made progress with:
- Stonework restoration, with re-pointing to the external façade now almost complete
- The erection of buttress scaffolding to allow safe working access to the upper chambers
- Soil excavation from the upper chamber over the entrance archway and guard room – which is now complete and
- Cleaning of the upper vault stone.
Seagate Castle is currently owned by North Ayrshire Council. It overlooks Irvine’s oldest street, Seagate, and is an important part of the town’s heritage.
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The third and final version of the castle was built in 1565 by Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton as a home for him and his wife Agnes Drummond. The family arms can be seen on the ceiling bosses inside the front doorway.
It is recorded that Mary Queen of Scots stayed at the castle in 1563.
Seagate was abandoned as a residence in the 1740s and in 1945 was gifted to Irvine Burgh by former owner Mrs Jessie Walker.
Councillor Tony Gurney, NAC's cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “It is great to see that these vital works are on schedule at what is a very important historical site.
“As custodians of the building - it is the council’s responsibility to preserve the castle for future generations.
“Works will continue throughout winter, but some periods of downtime are expected due to seasonal weather.
“I am sure many people with an interest in our local history and heritage will welcome the outcome, and I look forward to seeing the end results. “
To date, all programme milestones have been met, and it is expected that works will be completed within the agreed contract period.
The castle is an Irvine Common Good Asset and last summer, the council agreed to allocate an additional £263,420 from the Irvine Common Good fund towards the works at the site near the River Irvine.
Surveys, investigations and provision of condition assessment reports were carried out ahead of the works starting.
There have also been ongoing meetings and discussions with Historic Environment Scotland, including on site and investigative works, as well as archaeological digs, topographical reports, soil tests, tree removal and vegetation clearance.
The project aligns with two of the council’s priorities - Wellbeing and Communities and Local Democracy - by ensuring places and public spaces are well maintained and accessible, and also by respecting North Ayrshire’s local environment and cultural heritage.
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