THE Friends of Portencross Castle have hit out at the decision to keep the attraction closed during a milestone anniversary.

The volunteers are upset it will miss out on in its tenth year anniversary since it opened to the public for the first time after a major renovation.

The board have decided that the castle will remain shut despite the easing of current Scottish Government lockdown restrictions.

A spokesperson for the Friends of Portencross said: "The board decided that the castle should remain closed until things become sufficiently safe for visitors, stewards and volunteer guides to use the castle.

"We were really disappointed because 2020 is the tenth anniversary of the opening of the castle as a public attraction and community educational resource.

"Closing it affected its use for weddings and other events. We kept in touch with those who booked in advance and assured everyone that deposits would be refunded in full.

"In addition, government advice caused us to abandon our fundraising events such as coffee mornings, garden fetes and our annual art exhibition. Again, we were disappointed as we are dependent on raising funds to keep the castle open and to pay for maintenance, repairs and development.

"Nevertheless, we are grateful for the government funding that we received via North Ayrshire Council, which will go some way to help.

"We continue to receive regular funding from the Friends of Portencross Guardians, who contribute on a monthly basis.

"We are very grateful for their continuing support and thank everyone at this challenging time."

A spokesperson for the board said: "We have been monitoring government guidance about social distancing, hygiene and other necessary aspects. We have made the decision to open once hygiene services, such as running water for our stewards and volunteers, and hand sanitisers are installed. Once we can make things safe and secure for visitors and all others involved, given the challenging context of our centuries-old Castle, we will reopen.

"Meantime, the board will continue to maintain the castle for a sustainable future and undertake routine monitoring and maintenance."

Repairs are currently being undertaken to examine and repair the roof fabric underneath the viewing platform.

The spokesperson added: "This is a complex challenge and will need the attention of our architect and specialist contractors.

"Once more, the board would like to thank our supporters and benefactors including our stewards, volunteers, guardians, visitors and all those who help at or attend our fundraising events."

Anyone who would like to become a Castle Guardian can visit www.portencrosscastle.org.uk/help