ATTENDERS TO the Friends of Rothesay Castle AGM were warmly welcomed by chair Donald Kinnear, who gave a resume of the group’s activities for the previous year.
He mentioned the two social gatherings, a summer meeting and a St Andrews night, both held in the Great Hall of Rothesay Castle. These enjoyable events were appreciated by a ‘full house’ on both occasions.
The meeting was held in Bute Museum on Saturday (April 12) and heard that a new system of Castle floodlights was switched
on in February. This was financed by the friends group and the illumination shows the castle at it’s very best.
Treasurer Fiona Martin gave a detailed (healthy) financial report which was followed by an equally detailed report by the secretary Ian Sinclair. Both reports were adopted by the members.
FORC, like many similar organisations, has struggled considerably in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and the meeting noted the need to encourage younger people to participate in the organisation.
Survival of the group is very much down to the diligence and hard work of the principal office bearers Donald Kinnear (chair) Ian Sinclair (secretary) and Fiona Martin (treasurer), ably supported by Donald McLeod, Catrina Baker and Dan Edgar.
The office bearers for the next session were duly elected and are as follows:- Donald Kinnear retired as chair and Dan Edgar was nominated and elected as chair.
Ian Sinclair intimated his intention to stand down as secretary and the meeting was delighted to welcome Shona Reid as his replacement.
Fiona Martin will continue as treasurer and membership convenor.
Donald Kinnear is remaining on the committee, as are Catrina Baker and Donald McLeod.
Also joining the committee as advisors are Calyn Stirling and Anne Shaw. They will bring a much younger perspective to the proceedings.
Membership (£10 per year) of the Friends is open to anyone interested in the history and future success of Rothesay Castle as a tourist attraction and an event venue.
The group work very closely with Historical Environment Scotland, custodians of Rothesay Castle.
