A Highland castle has been taken off the market and transferred to a community interest company with a pledge to benefit local residents.
London barrister Samantha Kane bought Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland for £1.2m in 2022.
She invested millions of pounds to renovate the dilapidated 20-bedroom estate, which had been left deserted for some years.
She says transphobic abuse made her rethink her plans.
Ms Kane told STV News: “I came here, really driven, with a vision of seeing the castle renovated and back to its former glory, really serving the community, and really being where it should be; one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland.”
STV NewsCarbisdale was built a century ago for the widowed Duchess of Sutherland, who became embroiled in an inheritance feud that ended with her being jailed.
Samantha Kane has had her own tribulations centred on transphobic abuse she says she has encountered.
“This is something that should never be indulged in,” she said.
“A lot of transgender people are facing attempted suicide and things like that, especially the younger ones.”
Lezli and RoseFearing the distraction would negatively impact on the revived castle, Ms Kane has withdrawn Carbisdale from the market and transferred ownership to a new not-for-profit community interest company (CIC), saying she’ll take a step back.
“There are huge opportunities with this castle – in tourism, in providing employment, in putting not just Culrain but Sutherland on the map,” she said.
STV NewsThe future vision promises guided tours, afternoon teas and corporate events to benefit the local community.
Backing the project, local Highland councillor Michael Baird described the ambition as “wonderful”.
Plans to route a powerline within 800 yards of the castle are, meanwhile, being challenged.
Ms Kane said: “I am under serious threat. Therefore, I think if they are not going to be persuaded then it will have to go to a judicial review.”
SSEN’s planning application is expected to be submitted later this spring.
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