WE are certainly not living in the Dark Ages here at Portencross and very much welcome the debate concerning the future of Portencross Castle coming into the open (May 18 and 19).
There is no doubt that the castle could be restored to create a beautiful home, although it seems obvious that it will not be a fourteenth-century reconstruction but will demand many compromises towards twentieth-century living, for example plumbing. There is also no doubt that the building is requiring urgent and expensive treatment to stop water ingress.
However, there are many, from the west of Scotland and beyond, who will be horrified by Mr James Brown's description of the ancient keep as ''a crumbling, decaying featureless lump'' (May 19).
People love the castle fiercely. They stand by the walls and ''feel'' the history (an important one), the age, and, indeed, the romance of the place. Its likeness in the form of paintings and photographs has travelled the world - as a ruin.
We frequently discuss the opposing merits of restoration and repair in our association and on balance favour the maintenance of the building as a stable ruin, in the hands of a responsible public body.
What has astonished us, however, has been the overwhelming reaction of the visitors asked to sign our petition who with few exceptions vehemently want the castle and the foreshore, so central to the hamlet, to ''stay the same''. There are few places left where people can get close to their history so freely.
It's good to hear that Mr Brown feels that we should have a say in the future of the keep - we have had little response from any of the authorities involved, or approaches from Mr Brown or any other individual with ideas for restoration.
We would love to see the Secretary of State take the castle into public ownership under the auspices of Historic Scotland or some other reputable body take the building on as a stable ruin.
As a last resort we are in the closing stages of forming a charitable company called Friends of Portencross Castle and if necessary will attempt to take on the responsibility, which we do not underestimate, ourselves.
Ann McLachlan,
Secretary,
Portencross Association,
Auldhill Cottage,
Portencross,
West Kilbride.
May 19.
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