Vision

To make the immediate grounds and ruins of Polmaise Castle a recognised landmark and destination within our woodland.

Strategy

Manage Polmaise Castle gardens to provide an attractive and welcoming environment for people to explore. Develop the castle ruins and immediate grounds so that they are safe and more accessible for visitors. Record and communicate details of the history, heritage, and environment of this land.

In July 1966, Polmaise Castle was blown up by the army, as it had fallen into a dangerous condition, only just a century after it was built for Colonel and Lady Murray. It is now no more than rubble but the doorway date stone ‘1865’ can be clearly viewed although now split in two.

Dougie (CCDT Trustee) has been busy uncovering the history and stories of the Murray family as well as their home and gardens. A Facebook page ‘lost gardens of Polmaise Castle’ has been a popular way for people near and far to enjoy these stories, share their own memories and family history as well as let everyone see the developments of the work of this beautiful historic area within the Gillies Hill Community Woodland.

Castle gardens once the pride and joy of Lady Mary Murray where she loved to paint her watercolours, had been left to nature to take its course since they were no longer cared for. Unfortunately, the invasive non-native rhododendron ponticum had taken control but with a lot of hard work from a dedicated team of volunteers in their own time during lockdown last year and weekends since this area had now been uncovered and special place to walk and see. Original stonework, paths and flowerbed areas have been uncovered and now being replanted. Thank you to those in the community who have been kind enough to donate plants for the beautiful flower beds.