Historic Scotland orders removal of graffiti artwork from Scottish castle

A heritage body has ordered the removal of graffiti artwork from a 13th century Scottish castle.

Historic Scotland has ruled that the paintwork which turned Kelburn Castle in Ayrshire into a surreal but colourful tourist attraction must be wiped clean.

A group of Brazilian graffiti artists were given permission to spraypaint the ancient family seat of the Boyle clan three years ago on the strict proviso that the garish artwork which adorned the walls and turrets would be removed within three years.

The rendering on the historic castle walls needs to be removed in the long term. The artwork was a short-term solution to improve the castle’s appearance. Four months after the owners should have cleaned the walls from the historic pile, Government heritage agency Historic Scotland has stepped in and ordered the removal of the graffiti painted by the Sao Paulo Crew.

A fire that destroyed part of the ancient property’s roof and a financial crisis faced by owner Lord Glasgow are understood to have delayed its removal.

Historic Scotland has held a series of meetings with the Boyles over the issue but they have so far proved inconclusive.

Ranald MacInnes, principal inspector for Glasgow and the south west, insisted the graffiti must not be a permanent feature.

He said: “In heritage terms, this is a building of great local and national importance. The three-year time limit was put on the artwork for this reason. We believe that the graffiti was actually a very good idea. The rendering it was put on was having to be removed anyway and this was a modern way to enhance the appearance of the castle until that time.

“However, there needs to be a proper strategy for its removal.”

The project involved the artists living together in the castle for a month, during which time they shared ideas and created a one-off piece of collaborative art.

Consent for the paintwork was granted by the local authority, although strict timescale which was a condition of its permission, expired in May.

A spokeswoman for North Ayrshire Council said it was aware the consent had expired, but a spokesman for the authority added: “It is now up to the applicant to apply to extend that particular consent.”

Around 1500 cans of spraypaint were used in The Graffiti Project, which is understood to have cost an estimated £20,000.

The walls of the castle, which is near Largs, show surreal art scenes designed to depict the urban culture of Brazil.

Last February fire destroyed the roof of the castle, meaning Lord Glasgow had to raise an estimated £2 million for repairs.

His son, David Boyle, Viscount Kelburn, admitted times were tough and organised a series of high-profile events to raise funds.

A spokeswoman for the estate said: “The graffiti has proven extremely popular but we don’t know exactly when it will be removed.”

Taken from: Herald Scotland