RESTORATION

Thirty years ago Robert Pooley set eyes in Forter Castle - what he saw was a fragment of history. The stone walls were crumbling, scarred by fire and the entrance was obstructed by three feet of debris, which made entering a challenge. In the centre of the structure were two mature trees, who had been the only inhabitants of Forter for over 340 years. On the 8th of August 1998, the Pooley family purchased the estate. The team that collaborated on the restoration insisted upon discovering the original design through careful observation. The scarring in the stones of the castle revealed the past structure through subtle clues; the irregular split levels of the upper two floors were found by examining fixtures visible in the stone by the irregular position of windows and the evidence of fire places. Experienced craftsman were found from all over Scotland. Original stone was retrieved from neighboring structures. Much of the rubble could

only be used as land fill because stones had been taken to build other local buildings. The authentic materials were carefully sorted and utilised. The castle was built in a traditional L shape of a 16th century fortified house.

The Great Hall, with its oak ceiling supported by massive 12 inch beams, is particularly impressive. The only deliberate change was to make the Laird's bedroom the full expanse of the castle, the same dimensions of the Great Hall. With a free standing bath and four poster bed, it is poetic licence fit for a king.

After two years of dedicated work by Robert and his team of craftsmen, the structure was complete. On July 7th 1990, the 350th anniversary of the destruction of Forter, the Pooleys held a gathering to celebrate. Robert realized his dream of building the castle back to its former glory.

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