Castle's future under discussion

Plans for Rowallan Old Castle have raised questions

A plan to turn the Rowallan Old Castle in Ayrshire into a £55m golfing development is under discussion at the Scottish Parliament.

The castle's guardian heritage group Historic Scotland has refused to allow the castle to be used in this way.

The owner of the estate has asked the public petitions committee to rule that the quango is not acting in the interests of Ayrshire or Scotland.

Rowallan Old Castle was gifted to the nation more than 50 years ago.

The building is listed as a Scheduled Historic Monument - the same as Edinburgh and Stirling Castles.

'Intransigence' accusation

The owner of the estate, Niall Campbell, wants to use the castle as part of a multi-million pound development, opening it up for regular public viewing for the first time in decades.

He has the support of the architect, James Simpson, who redesigned Queensberry House as part of the Scottish Parliament.

He believes there is no justification for Historic Scotland continuing to maintain the empty, disused castle at the taxpayer's expense.

Mr Campbell also has the backing of local MSP Margaret Jamieson who accuses Historic Scotland of "intransigence".

Historic Scotland declined to comment while the matter was before the petitions vommittee.

The golf course will be designed by Colin Montgomery.