SEBG News
Explosive opening for restored Reivers stronghold
24th July 2006
One of the most impressive of the old Border Reivers’ strongholds
has been saved for the future.
Cessford Castle, near Morebattle, was in danger of crumbling away but the castle’s massive walls have been strengthened to make sure it will stand for a few more centuries yet.
The castle was built in the 1400s by the Ker family, ancestors of the Duke of Roxburghe. The Kers held the office of wardens of the Middle March, and were often a target in the skirmishes that raged across the Borders in those troubled times. Their house was a fortress with walls up to three metres (14 feet) thick, a refuge in times of siege – both from English raiders and from rival clans in the Border region such was the state of lawlessness which prevailed at the time.
Over £300,000 has been spent on the consolidation works as part of the Tweed Rivers Heritage Project, a £9 million Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) approved programme coordinated by Tweed Forum. In addition to the HLF, significant support for Cessford was also provided by Historic Scotland, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and Roxburghe Estates.
The Duke of Roxburghe, who formally opened the newly restored castle today (Monday) said: “The completion of this major programme of works marks a significant moment in the history of Cessford and ensures this important landmark monument is preserved for the future. Such a massive fortification bears testimony to the turbulent times which endured in the early years of its building but, despite its substantial construction, much of the structure had deteriorated seriously and, in places, was in danger of collapse.
“I am delighted that such skilled work has secured its future for many more generations to come and I would like to express my gratitude to the many individuals and organisations who have played a part in the conservation project.”
Work at Cessford included extensive surveys of the building, allowing the story of the castle to be told through remarkably detailed reconstruction drawings of how it might have looked in the 1590s. Both essential consolidation works and the interpretation – the Tweed Rivers Interpretation Project - have been delivered in partnership and have included financial assistance from the following – HLF, Historic Scotland, ERDF Objective 2, SBC and Landfill Tax Credits and the Estate itself.
In keeping with the Castle’s turbulent history, the Duke of Roxburghe
officially opened the site with an explosive affair signalling his intent
to any modern-day Reiver who might try to lay claim to the family seat
of the Kers of Cessford!
Pictures will be distributed by photographer Angus Blackburn and will also be available to download free of charge from www.2dayukimages.com or from the picture gallery on Media House’s website www.mediahouse.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Cessford represents one of the most important fortified buildings of its type in Scotland. The consolidation works have taken two years to complete and cost £350,000 and were funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Landfill Tax Credits, Scottish Borders Council, Roxburghe Estates and ERDF Objective 2.
The interpretation of the castle was led by the Tweed Rivers Interpretation Project which is led by the Council.
Both projects are part of the £9 million Tweed Rivers Heritage Project coordinated by Tweed Forum which aims to conserve, enhance and promote the natural, built and cultural heritage of the Tweed catchment.
For further information contact:
Lorna Inglis at Media House on 07813 193 618 or Andrew Connell on 0131
555 1015.
