[93] (See Chapter Two, p. 7)
Castle Grant is a massive structure, rather cramped in layout which necessitates many stairs and passages, and designed for days when there were unlimited staff to fetch and carry, and when distances and time did not matter. It would be almost impossible to run as a home as it stands today. The cost of re-wiring, plumbing, decorating, and carpeting, alone would be prohibitive, but add to all these deterrents the fact that dry rot has a very serious and possibly long- standing hold on the massive rafters, upper flooring and studding. Whilst the structure and roof in general seem sound, being so strongly built, nevertheless it must be expected that the fungi will almost inevitably find its way over the whole woodwork and downwards to the lower floors, which seem to be free at present. No doubt the upper floors have been closed and airless for many years-ideal conditions for fungi. I do feel that unless a considerable sum is spent in remedial works, the whole woodwork is inevitably doomed over the next decade; with this in mind I suggest there are the following possibilities:
1. Leave the structure to slowly rot, having salvaged anything of value out of it. In this relation, I do feel that all chattels therein should be safeguarded as soon as possible from damp and vandalism, and those of no family interest or value should be marketed to the best advantage. This solution would be the cheapest, but possibly is not the best solution. It depends whether there is a use for the castle on monumental, historical, aesthetic, or other grounds.
2. I imagine, that from a clansman's point of view, the castle could be a major binding force in the conception of the Clan as a family-a tangible thing to centre on. If money were available, there are possibilities. The old tower might be maintained, and possibly used as a Clan museum or something similar. Of the remainder, the best part I think is the entrance, stairway, and main range of public rooms. Some rooms above or below could be preserved to form one or two dwelling units. The rest of the castle would have to be largely demolished, dry rot being carefully taken away, and the height reduced, thereby leaving in effect a castle comprising an old tower, adjoining walls, and habitable section. This would be of modest size, capable of being used [94] as one or more homes or the like, and so arranged that one did not view a vast pile of decaying stone, which would be very depressing. It is possible that a scheme on these lines, circulated in an attractive pamphlet to all Grants throughout the world would produce a sum of subscriptions sufficient to finance such a scheme. In return all contributors would need something: an attractive membership certificate or the like; a free permit to visit the castle, and, perhaps, free entry to a resuscitated Clan Grant Society, plus periodic newsletters. It could not be done in a day, but it is a possibility. It would be a vast work and whether worthwhile or not, I don't know. It would depend on an architect's report and the subsequent enthusiasm of a large number of Grants. My personal experience has been that the Grants are not especially clan-minded compared with other lesser clans, but they might be interested if they all thought they could do something worthwhile, and get something in return. Certainly it is the only thing I can think of to bind the Clan together again. I know what when I reformed the Clan Grant Society at the Edinburgh March of the Clans' there was a fairly constant cry- 'couldn't we get Grants in the north interested and possibly have a day at Castle Grant or similar'-in other words there was not much to bind the members apart from an occasional ceilidh. I would be willing to co-operate all I could, but could not do it all on my own with no help except for one or two Edinburgh enthusiasts. Leading Grants from all over the world would have to play their part. If the foregoing could be done, then I imagine it would not be impossible to have a museum of arms, paintings, and other relics of interest together with a tea-room and policy walks open say two days a week. Whether this would pay for the custodian or conducting staff is another matter. Possibly a flat or two in the castle for such people: i.e., retired Grant army officers.
(Written in 1965)