Charles plans 'green' castle
2006-12-17 22:10
London - Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, aims to restore a 19th century castle on the Scottish island of Rum using energy supplies that are safer for the environment, a spokesperson said on Sunday.
Having visited Kinloch Castle, a Scottish National Heritage (SNH) site, with his wife Camilla in June, Prince Charles has helped draw up plans for a "green castle" through his charity The Prince's Regeneration Trust, he said.
"Prince Charles is working with SNH to put in a plan for Kinloch Castle," said the spokesperson at the prince's London residence, Clarence House.
He added that the prince always tried to be environmentally friendly and any future restoration project would have "green elements" to it, possibly including solar panels and an independent power supply.
Work is in progress on the second phase of feasibility studies and other options which will be considered.
Completed in 1901, Kinloch Castle, which is open to tourists part of the year, was the home of industrialist Sir George Bullough. In 1958 his wife Lady Bullough sold the property to what is now the SNH.
It was the first private residence in Scotland to have electricity, with a dam constructed on the Coire Dhu burn for hydro generation.
- SAPA