The development plans are the result of an engineering-design competition Historic Scotland ran several years ago. The agency asked five design consultants in the north of Scotland to put forward ideas for the car park and visitor centre. ‘The winner of that competition was picked by an independent panel of experts in various fields,’ McIlwraith says.

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’The design that won that competition is the one we’re running with today. It has been fine-tuned since then by taking on board comments from local people and our neighbours down the road, following two public meetings. This plan was the one that won by far and away the most support.’

As for Takala’s petition, which has been on the Net since at least early April, it has received about 2,100 signatures. Some 45 per cent oppose changes to the castle and its car park, another 44 per cent oppose changes to the castle and want the shuttle bus service. Only 5% favour the new car park at the castle but no other changes to the site. Only 1.3% favour Historic Scotland’s plans.

So, as they say in the British media, the case continues.

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