Since Friends of Strathaven Castle was created in 2022, originally as a Facebook group and later as a registered charity, we have enjoyed the support of our elected representatives in both parliaments.
In 2023 Dr. Lisa Cameron, who was then MP for the constituency, tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament in support and recognition of the group’s aims and the efforts put in by our founder and Chair, Jan Dawson, and the committee.
Our current MP, Joani Reid, is equally committed to the cause of consolidating the castle and bringing it into a condition where it is safe to be made accessible to the public again. Following our Open Day on 16th January, Joani shared her support and thanks for what we do to her Instagram followers. She has also written letters and liaised with South Lanarkshire Council on our behalf when we needed the information that formed the basis of the display we presented on the Open Day, and which informed our future plans.
At the Scottish parliamentary level, MÃ iri McAllan MSP, orchestrated a meeting between Friends Of Strathaven Castle, South Lanarkshire Council, Strathaven and Glassford Community Council, and Historic Environment Scotland to discuss the way forward and how the various interested parties would collaborate.
It’s vital that we have this continuing support from our elected representatives and their offices as we apply for funding from relevant bodies to secure the future of our iconic Strathaven Castle. We thank them all for their efforts and look forward to working with them in future.