Reviving Heritage,
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THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COMLONGON CASTLE AND ESTATE

"Reviving Heritage, Creating Opportunities"

Situated close to the Solway Firth near the village of Clarencefield in Dumfries and Galloway, Comlongon Castle and its surrounding Estate contain significant cultural heritage within a designed landscape setting of rich biodiversity, ancient trees, woodlands and wetlands. The property consists of one of Scotland’s finest surviving examples of a 15th century Tower House, it has 5 storeys and is a large rectangular plan, together with an adjoining and extensively remodelled and extended 3 storey 20th Century Mansion House. When built by the Murray family, who also owned Scone Palace, the Tower House would have been visible from far and wide as a beacon of defence and status. The Murray’s were living in turbulent times; Anglo-Scottish conflicts, border reivers, clan rivalries and Royal instability all meant their home had to also be their fortified castle.​

Our vision is for the historically important but neglected Comlongon Castle and Estate to be safeguarded, revived and enhanced. We aim to achieve this through an economically sustainable approach that respects the historical, cultural and environmental significance of the site, supports the region’s tourism and leisure sector, increases heritage engagement, provides heritage craft skills training and creates meaningful employment.​

Our activity will include the comprehensive conservation of the Castle and its surrounding Estate.  The Castle building itself must be addressed as a priority due to the need for structural work and essential fabric repairs of the Tower House. We will ensure the revival of this significant heritage asset as a focus for education and tourism. These conservation, repair and renovation efforts are complemented by the protection of historical features on the Estate that contribute to its importance and attractiveness to visitors, such as the original curling pond, the ha-ha, the rare circular Barmkin wall, and the listed sundial.

 

Our activity will include the comprehensive conservation of the Castle and its surrounding Estate.  The Castle building itself must be addressed as a priority due to the need for structural work and essential fabric repairs of the Tower House. We will ensure the revival of this significant heritage asset as a focus for education and tourism. These conservation, repair and renovation efforts are complemented by the protection of historical features on the Estate that contribute to its importance and attractiveness to visitors, such as the original curling pond, the ha-ha, the rare circular Barmkin wall, and the listed sundial.

 

Our commitment to restoring Comlongon Castle and Estate, one of Scotland’s finest heritage assets, seeks to transform it into a focus for opportunity and prosperity, enriching lives and boosting local economies for generations to come.

Property Amenities

Multimedia Center

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Private Territory

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Guest Suites

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Car Parking

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Yoga Studio

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Pet House

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Fast Internet

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Swimming Pool

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The first stage of the future plans for Comlongon Estate is the restoration and consolidation of the Castle itself.  The goal is to protect, restore and reveal the existing Tower House given it is most significant and valuable heritage asset.  The adjoining Mansion house will be restored and reinvented.

Image credits: Guard - archaelogy

In the short term it is proposed to upgrade the existing buildings with a view to restoring and safeguarding against further decline, whilst making them as energy efficient as possible, including:

  • Replacement windows (if beyond repair)
  • Replacement rainwater goods
  • Roof works
  • Stone repairs
  • Re-pointing works externally
  • Addressing damp issues
  • Installing new heating, electrics and plumbing
  • Improve insulation (and ventilation) internally where possible

​

In the medium term, in conjunction with the remedial and repair works consideration will be given to the following:

  • Removal of unwanted additions externally to open up views to and from the Tower House
  • Removal of unwanted additions internally to reinstate a legible plan form to the Mansion House

In the long term, the implementation of a masterplan for the wider estate including the reinstatement of a designed landscape setting, re-siting of outbuildings, re-establishment of glasshouses, additional ancillary accommodation to support new functions and activities on site in relation to business and tourism opportunities to ensure the longevity of the heritage asset.

Comlongon Castle sits amidst an invaluable natural habitat. Our efforts will focus on understanding, restoring, protecting and enhancing these ancient ecosystems, ensuring they thrive alongside the Castle.

By repairing and reviving the Victorian Mansion House as visitor accommodation, developing restaurant and catering facilities and creating a space for theatre, live music and dance, we will create a must-visit destination for everyone seeking unique historical and cultural experiences.

Our efforts to highlight Comlongon Castle’s historical and cultural significance, the beauty and biodiversity of the Estate and the development of visitor facilities and learning spaces are integral to raising the profile of, and drawing international attention to, Dumfries and Galloway. This increased visibility is expected to put the region firmly on the map, drive tourism and create economic benefits across the community.

With strategic emphasis on sustainable development and community engagement, Comlongon Castle is poised to become an economic powerhouse and a cultural treasure. Our holistic approach aims to protect, educate, and inspire, securing the Castle’s future as a cornerstone of regional prosperity and historical appreciation.

We will be focused on accessibility for all, public benefit, long term sustainability, zero waste, climate change mitigation, and minimal impact on the environment. We are dedicated to achieving net zero emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and to exhibiting and promoting environmental stewardship.

We are committed to investing in skills-based projects that push the boundaries of new technologies and products, whilst also cherishing and promoting traditional skills and local harvests. We are creating a heritage carpentry workshop to service the needs of the Castle and Estate conservation, creating local jobs, whilst helping to sympathetically restore buildings and preserve local crafts. We plan to create a kitchen garden as a sustainable food source (including local, historical, and heirloom plant varieties) and as an educational tool, teaching the community and visitors about traditional Scottish gardening techniques and local produce.

We envisage the Estate as a haven for wildlife and for people, with access to quiet places for contemplation in nature, walking and nature trails.

Drawing on its successes with other heritage projects (Annandale Distillery, The Globe Inn Dumfries, and the Henry Duncan Savings Banks Museum), the team behind the Comlongon Castle and Estate revival have consistently demonstrated its capability to enhance local careers and stimulate the regional economy whilst protecting and restoring significant historical sites.

PROCESS AND PLANNING CONTEXT

An initial pre-application enquiry has been submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council in order to start a dialogue with the planning officers and key consultees including Historic Environment Scotland regarding the intended restoration and consolidation works.  This will help to inform the future proposals which will then be submitted for Listed Building Consent and Planning Consent (where required).  In the meantime, works which do not require consent (e.g. like for like repairs) will take place.

The Castle and Estate although not currently operating as such, was last used as a guest house/hotel and events location.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE PROJECT

Scott Mackay

Project lead

Melanie Goode

Conservation Architect

Narro

Structural Engineers

Lee Medd

Public & Press Relations

Archaeologist – GUARD Archaeology Limited are providing historic building records and assessments – www.guard-archaeology.co.uk

FAQ

The Castle is a category A listed building.  This includes the entire building including later additions.

Currently Comlongon Castle – including both the Mansion House and Tower House – is categorised as a guest house.  Change of use from family dwelling was obtained in 1996.

No. In 2017 Historic Environment Scotland removed Tower House adjoining Comlongon from the statutory schedule of monuments.  This was part of a Dual Designation programme by HES to streamline protection measures for buildings and structures.  The assertion was that the Category A listing would afford the property adequate protection.

We intend to carry out work as soon as possible as and when the necessary relevant permissions are granted.

The estate includes a number of private houses as well as the Castle building formerly used as a guest house/hotel and events space. Although additional visitor accommodation and events spaces may be created, it is the intention that these uses will not change.

GET IN TOUCH

The Castle and its Estate is run and owned by Comlongon Estate Ltd

    Property Amenities

    Multimedia Center

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    Private Territory

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    Guest Suites

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    Car Parking

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    Yoga Studio

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    Pet House

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    Fast Internet

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    Swimming Pool

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    Property Gallery

    Property Layouts

    First Floor

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    • Floor : First Floor
    • Total Area : 560 Square Feets
    • Room : 5
    • Bed : 3
    • Bath : 2

    Second Floor

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    • Floor : Second Floor​
    • Total Area : 670 Square Feets
    • Room : 4
    • Bed : 2
    • Bath : 2

    Third Floor

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    • Floor : Third Floor
    • Total Area : 280 Square Feets
    • Room : 4
    • Bed : 1
    • Bath : 1

    Fourth Floor

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    • Floor : Fourth Floor
    • Total Area : 350 Square Feets
    • Room : 5
    • Bed : 3
    • Bath : 1

    Fifth Floor

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    • Floor : Fifth Floor​
    • Total Area : 195 Square Feets
    • Room : 5
    • Bed : 3
    • Bath : 2

    Property Information

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    • Project Name : Abolire
    • Total Area : 560 Square Feets
    • Net Worth : $20,555,000
    • Category : Modern House
    • launch Time : 10 December, 2019
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    Latest News Update

    Situated close to the Solway Firth near the village of Clarencefield in Dumfries and Galloway, Comlongon Castle and its surrounding Estate contain significant cultural heritage within a designed landscape setting of rich biodiversity, ancient trees, woodlands and wetlands.

    The property consists of one of Scotland’s finest surviving examples of a 16th century Tower House, it has 5 storeys and is a large rectangular plan, together with an adjoining and extensively remodelled and extended 3 storey 20th Century Mansion House. When built by the Murray family, who also owned Scone Palace, the Tower House would have been visible from far and wide as a beacon of defence and status. The Murray’s were living in turbulent times; Anglo-Scottish conflicts, border reivers, clan rivalries and Royal instability all meant their home had to also be their fortified castle.

    Our vision is for the historically important but neglected Comlongon Castle and Estate to be safeguarded, revived and enhanced.

    We aim to achieve this through an economically sustainable approach that respects the historical, cultural and environmental significance of the site, supports the region’s tourism and leisure sector, increases heritage engagement, provides heritage craft skills training and creates meaningful employment.

    Our activity will include the comprehensive conservation of the Castle and its surrounding Estate.  The Castle building itself must be addressed as a priority due to the need for structural work and essential fabric repairs of the Tower House. We will ensure the revival of this significant heritage asset as a focus for education and tourism. These conservation, repair and renovation efforts are complemented by the protection of historical features on the Estate that contribute to its importance and attractiveness to visitors, such as the original curling pond, the ha-ha, the rare circular Barmkin wall, and the listed sundial.

    Our commitment to restoring Comlongon Castle and Estate, one of Scotland’s finest heritage assets, seeks to transform it into a focus for opportunity and prosperity, enriching lives and boosting local economies for generations to come.