Castle to re-open 1 March 2010

Following the meeting of the Executive Committee of Argyll and Bute Council on Thursday, 17 December 2009, representatives of the Council and Actual Reality Learning and Leadership Limited have met on a number of occasions culminating in a meeting on Friday, 22 January 2010.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the continued use of Castle Toward by Actual Reality for the delivery of outdoor education. The use of the Castle for residential accommodation was temporarily suspended by the Council on November 13, 2009.

The Council and Actual Reality had a positive meeting on 22 January and agreed on a course of action, including works that must be carried out to allow the Castle to be reopened safely for public use, including residential accommodation.   Technical representatives for Argyll and Bute Council and Actual Reality are in continuing dialogue to finalise the technical matters. It is the intention of Actual Reality to complete the works required in time for the Castle to be reopened by 1 March 2010. It is the intention of Argyll and Bute Council to endeavour to assist in that.

The Council and Actual Reality will review progress in February and, dependent on the progress that has been made, they hope then to be able to agree on a definite date when the Castle can be reopened.   A further statement will be made at that time.

On 17 December 2009 the Council confirmed its previous decisions to sell Castle Toward and authorised the Director of Community Services to discuss possible sale terms with prospective purchasers, in particular with Actual Reality.   Representatives of Actual Reality have confirmed the company’s wish to buy the Castle. As of yet Castle Toward has not been put on the open market for sale. That will happen shortly and it is expected that Actual Reality will wish to make an offer for the property.