Castle Campbell Conservation Area

Castle Campbell dates from the 15th century, when it was known as the Castle of Gloom. It stands at the head of Dollar Glen, between the Burn of Care and the Burn of Sorrow, with exceptional views to the south. A picturesque ruin since the eighteenth century, the castle is a scheduled ancient monument in the care of Historic Scotland, while the valley is protected by designation as an area of great landscape value, an ancient woodland and a listed wildlife site in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, in addition to being a conservation area.

Conservation areas exist primarily to protect built-up areas and may sometimes be reduced in area or de-designated where other legislative protection is available. In this case, the conservation area appraisal by Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation recommended de-designation and the area is no longer a conservation area. It is important that protection is not duplicated or over-bureaucratic, as this could diminish respect for the positive contribution that conservation areas should make to our heritage.