11/06/2008 07:48:00
The Royal Lodgings of Stirling Castle will be rejuvenated in a £12 million restoration project.
The scheme hopes to return the Royal Lodgings to their 16th century glory with the help of Sally Rush, an art historian at Glasgow University. Dr Rush has conducted in-depth research into the furniture, fittings and fashions that were popular during the period to recreate the renaissance appearance of the royal chambers.
Additionally, the priceless Stirling Heads, a collection of hand-carved oak medallions depicting king, queens imps and other mythological creatures, will go on permanent public display.
Speaking to the BBC, Chris Watkins, who will head up the team, said the project would "mark the culmination of many years of research and skilled conservation and craft work".
"We have so far completed the refurbishment of the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal. This phase will help emphasise the grandeur of the palace, the royal lodgings and James V's aspiration to create a Scottish court of European importance."
Historic Scotland stated that the scheme was the most ambitious phase of its restoration plans for the castle, which was considered one of the finest palaces in Europe in its heyday. The organisation has contributed £9 million to the cost of the project, with the other £3 million provided by the Scottish Government. According to the Evening Times, Scottish Culture minister Linda Fabiani said:
"This is a bold and imaginative project that the Scottish Government is delighted to support."
While Edinburgh Castle remains the most visited paid-for Scottish attraction, Stirling Castle draws around 386,000 visitors a year. It is hoped that the makeover will draw an extra 100,000 to the attraction, which will be closed to the public from August 2008 until 2011.