Dunans, Scotland – Architecture & Environment

Dunans Bridge & Castle is a multi-faceted site in Glendaruel, Argyll with ongoing efforts addressing architectural conservation, environmental restoration and economic development.

Dounens was first recorded on maps in 1590 showing a hunting lodge, which over time became a manor house serving as home to the Fletcher clan for 200 years. Architect Andrew Kerr transformed the manor house into a mock castle in 1864. Sadly, this dramatic baronial house was largely destroyed by fire in 2001, leaving the exterior walls of the “castle” and the pre-Victorian west wing intact.

Seeking to enhance their reputation as established gentry, in 1815 the Fletchers commissioned engineer Thomas Telford to build a bridge to provide easy access to the property. Telford was one of Scotland’s greatest civil engineers and bridge builders. The arches, gargoyles and eight hexagonal piers, as well as its sheer height of 16 meters (52 feet), make it unique and of national importance.

After the fire, Dunans was purchased by an owner with conservation in mind. Charles Dixon Spain formed the Dunans Castle Limited, a Social Enterprise, and published the Conservation Plan for Dunans, covering both bridge and castle. Adventures in Preservation joined architectural conservation efforts in 2018. Conservation of the castle curtain wall has been completed, and the A-listed bridge is scheduled for completion in September 2026, when the central great arch will be repaired and repointed.

Completion of the bridge marks the time to move on to conservation of the castle, which will contribute to economic sustainability in the community, providing jobs, community meeting space and income from visitor lodging. Once completed the castle will be public, with event spaces on the ground floor and self-catering apartments in the upper two floors that will provide a sustainable future for the site.

Simultaneously, work is ongoing to restore a native woodland. Dunans recently bought back 250 acres of the ancient Fletcher estate adjoining the castle to started the process. Reintroducing native species will increase biodiversity and contribute to ecological sustainability. The commercial crop of Sitka spruce planted on the hillside 30 years ago has been harvested, and the land is now ready for planting of native woodland species, primarily oak and birch. This is not just a woodland, but also the creation of a new temperate rainforest, essential to the ecology of the area – and the world. It is an internationally important environment that only exists in a few places on earth. This effort combines the fight against climate change with development of sustainable tourism.

COMMUNITY PROJECT PARTNERS

Charles Dixon Spain, Project Partner

Charles Dixon Spain was a successful publisher when he and wife, Sadie, decided to move from England to Scotland. They happened upon a castle for sale, and made the unlikely decision to take on conservation of the castle and bridge. Charles now heads Dunans Castle Ltd with the goal of financing the restoration of Dunans Castle to create a public building which is both a sustainable visitor attraction and a venue for events.

Charles is also Director of The Walking Theatre Company. He is involved at a strategic level with business planning and development, as well as at an operational level for internet and social media. Charles chairs the Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust. The Trust is tasked with providing for the economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability of the

Eland Stuart, Instructor

Eland Stuart is a master at saving Scotland’s built heritage. He has taken historic cottages from rubble back to their charming original configuration. Eland has a degree in Archaeology from the University of Glasgow. He also trained with the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA), building in dry stone rubble with no mortar, and gained expertise with lime at the Scottish Lime Centre.

Eland gained a Masonry Conservation qualification with Historic Environment Scotland and the Stonemasonry Department at the College of Building and Printing in Glasgow. He is a talented instructor, taking volunteers from novice to confident.

Dunans Castle Ltd

Dunans Castle Ltd is committed to creating a sustainable business that contributes to the betterment of its local community. All profits are invested in restoration of the site, running the company, improving employment opportunities, and making a positive impact on the community as a whole. 

Through its actions, Dunans Castle Ltd aims to improve local facilities and work with local partners to improve economic opportunities. Importantly, Dunans Castle is also committed to addressing the identified problem of access to cultural events in the area, specifically theater, cinema and museums.

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Woodland conservation
TELFORD's BRIDGE

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