HUNTERSTON CASTLE

Restoration Programme

Hunterston Castle is in need of some maintainance work. It is planned to use this opportunity to remove the 'garage' doors on the north side, and replace them with the original stone which we still have. This garage was made in 1915 for

storage, and is not original. .

In addition to this work, we hope to start on the main section of the Clan Museum in the upper part of the 15th Century extension above the Main Hall.

Plans for this project are available for Members to view. As the Clan is now responsible for the upkeep of the building, we shall be asking Members who visit the Castle this year for their views. We want to know about suitable displays in the Museum, and what other ideas Members may have for further use of the outbuildings around the Main Castle Tower.

Clan Members will be asked to support this project in due course.

HUNTERSTON CASTLE 1890

This letter has recently been restored and returned to the Hunter family archives by the Scottish Records Office. It ' is a letter from Lord Glencairn to the Laird of Hunterston asking for help to raise arms to support the King.

Stirling, 17th December 1745.

Sir,

As we have reason to believe that the Rebels are approaching towards Scotland, in my Lord Homes' absence I am ordered by General Blackney to desire you without loss of time to send what men you can possibly raise to Glasgow. Be sure they bring what arms they have .along with them, and the General will have Arms and Ammunition to supply what is wanting. I am

• Sir

Your most humble servant,

 GLENCAlRN.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

This section of the Newsletter will be used in future to keep Members up to date with any changes on the Industrial Development front. At the present time there are plans to build a third Nuclear Power Station, and the oil rig site has temporarily closed down. The recent coal miner's strike in the U.K. has put pressure on Ravenscraig Steel Works (which is supplied with raw materials from the B. S. C. Hunterston Port). It is hoped to have a proper display in the Clan Museum in due course explaining this development to Members.