The second Taymouth Castle Open Day took place on Saturday, 25th October, and we were delighted to welcome 396 local residents on our restoration tour, on a cool but dry and blustery day. With demand so high, we apologise to those who couldn’t secure a ticket or had to cancel due to illness. The good news is that planning is already underway for 2026!

Visitors began their day at the Kenmore Sports Pavilion, where display boards offered insight into the Breadalbane Campbells’ progression east from Kilchurn and the transformation of Balloch. Guests then boarded buses for the short journey to Taymouth Castle, taking in the elevated views across the golf course and surrounding grounds, entering the estate through the restored East Gate.

The tour started at the castle’s main entrance, with guides explaining the extensive façade renovations. Inside, Mark and John Nevin from Mackay Decorators of Perth and Nevin’s of Edinburgh demonstrated wood graining and gold leaf techniques used throughout the Castle, highlighting the skill behind their restorative works.

In the Central Tower and main stairwell, visitors learned about the careful restoration of Bernasconi’s Gothic Revival plasterwork (1809–12), including the lintels at the top of the tower, stained glass by William Collins (1812), and the treatment and repainting of the 80-foot walls.

The Drawing Room offered insight into the neo-Gothic interior decoration, dating from 1841, just a year before Queen Victoria’s visit, with guides explaining the techniques used to restore and preserve the crawl space above the ceiling, which, prior to essential repairs, was at risk of collapse. Our in-house reactive restorer, Peter Di Marco, showcased wood and metal restoration techniques applied throughout the Castle, and his speciality in ‘Invisible repairs’.

In the Baron’s Hall, tour guides explained the extensive restoration of the Grade 1 listed painted window and the turret, which was significantly damaged due to water ingress.

Meanwhile, in the Banner Hall, Moira Malcolm and Orla Perdue of Rainbow Glass Studios ran a mini workshop, demonstrating stained-glass restoration techniques and the research behind each historic feature.

Darren Cole, from Thomas Johnstone Ltd, the principal contractors who led the main building 2-year restoration programme from June 2022 until June 2024, outlined the highly time-consuming wood restoration works that he carried out in all public spaces on the unique carved figures, panels and furniture.

Throughout the day, guests were able to appreciate the artistry, skill, and dedication of the craftspeople involved in this extraordinary project. Their work is central to safeguarding Taymouth Castle’s heritage for generations to come.

The Open Day concluded in the Reading Rooms, where visitors collected a booklet summarising the restoration works and had the opportunity to donate to Tayside Mountain Rescue, a charity vital to the rural community. Donations made directly on the day amounted to £1,652, matched by Taymouth Castle Estate.