The multi-million pound restoration of the Dean Castle is nearing completion.
The keys to Kilmarnock's most iconic building were handed back to East Ayrshire Council after a long and protracted renovation project costing £5.2 million.
The scaffolding went around the 'crumbling' castle in the heart of the Dean Park in March 2019 and was due to reopen in 2021 but the pandemic scuppered plans.
Officials are now aiming to have members of the public back in the castle for Spring 2023.
Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, said “This is an exciting day in what has been an extensive restoration project and the quality of the work is plain for all to see - the castle is looking magnificent.
"We can’t wait to welcome visitors back into the castle in early 2023 to admire the work that has been carried out and to enjoy the collections and rich history associated with the castle."
The castle's prized collection of artefacts have been housed at the Dick Institute for the duration of the makeover and will now begin coming back to their remodeled home.
New display cases will now be installed to house the items. And the installation of the new interpretation and interactives will also form the final part of the project.
Graeme Frame, director of CBC Stone said “CBC Stone is delighted to have successfully completed the works on this prestigious project on behalf of East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Leisure. It has been a real team effort between the council, leisure trust, the consultants and ourselves and hopefully will be appreciated by all for generations to come."
A number of events are being planned to celebrate the re-opening of Dean Castle including some special Christmas events. Details of these will be available soon.
East Ayrshire Council, supported by East Ayrshire Leisure, were awarded £1.5m from Heritage Lottery Fund towards the restoration and modernisation of Dean Castle. The project has a total cost of £5.2m, with funding of £500k also secured from Historic Environment Scotland, and the remainder coming from East Ayrshire Council.
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