Ruins of Rosslyn Castle to be saved by holiday let transformation

The ruins of Rosslyn Castle are to be saved and turned into holiday lets – in a bid to secure the future of the historic building.

The castle sits next to the famous Rosslyn Chapel – the historic church that inspired Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code novels due to mysterious markings in the décor.

Built by the St Clair family, the oldest parts of Rosslyn Castle, Midlothian, date back to the early 14th century.

The East Range, a domestic residence built in the early 1600s, lies partly in ruin with the roofless Great Hall and Tower increasingly vulnerable to weather damage.

An impression of the restoration works at Rosslyn Castle. Rosslyn Chapel Trust

Currently used as a garden area, the East Range will now be covered with a permanent roof to create a new habitable space for holiday lets.

The renovation work will also protect the impressive three-storey basement – previously used as a bakehouse and store – from further deterioration.

Ian Gardner, director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: “This proposed project will help to prevent the further deterioration of important parts of the castle’s East Range, both above and below ground, which have suffered from continuous water ingress over centuries.

“It will also improve the quality of the experience for guests staying here and secure the long-term future of one of Midlothian’s most historically significant buildings.”

Plans for the renovation of the Grade A listed building and schedule monument have been put forward to Midlothian Council and Historic Environment Scotland by the trust.

Part of the East Range is already used as holiday accommodation for six people, with the restored building to offer more room for guests, as well as a kitchen and living area.

Rosslyn Castle suffered serious fire in the 15th century, severe destruction in the 16th century further attack by the Cromwellian army in the 17th century.

But Mr Gardner said the latest threat to the castle’s historic fabric was now coming from climate change and increased rainfall.

The roof will protect crumbling masonry carvings and a fireplace in the former Great Hall, as well as shield the vaults below, which have been filling up with water.

Pointing and erosion will also be fixed on the south elevation, with a new sustainable heating system to be installed.

The castle is in the care of Rosslyn Chapel Trust and has provided self-catering accommodation, through a partnership with The Landmark Trust, since the 1980s.

Karen Nugent, of Page\Park architects, who has been working on the restoration project, said: “It is unusual that a ruin and habitable house co-exist within the same footprint of a bigger building and, through this work, we will reintegrate both elements, following guidelines of leading conservation bodies in Scotland, the United Kingdom and Europe.

“We are delighted to be appointed to work on this exciting project, which will bring enormous benefits to the building for generations to come.”