1992 Scolty Renovation

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The upkeep of Scolty Tower depends on the generosity of the community. Donations of any size are welcomed to preserve the tower for future generations.

Overview

From 1990 to 1992, the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan spearheaded an ambitious community effort to restore our much-loved Scolty Tower and save it from decline. The project’s success was crowned by a special reopening ceremony led by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales.

The extraordinary community efforts of this renovation project demonstrate just how much Scolty Tower means to local people, an enduring and much-loved landmark on the area’s skyline.

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Scolty Tower Renovation 1992

Decline and Disrepair

By 1990, Scolty Tower had sadly fallen into disrepair. Cracks lined the internal walls, loose stones clung precariously to the upper sections, and the staircase was long gone, with the original wooden steps having rotted and burned away in the 1930s.

The Restoration Initiative

Determined to save the historic landmark, the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan launched an ambitious restoration project, aiming to complete the work in 1992 to mark the 150th anniversary of the tower’s construction in 1842.

Leading the charge was Bill Stuart, former Rotary President, who took on the role of Scolty Project Convenor.

Community Fundraising and Support

Through a combination of grants and tireless community fundraising, around £15,000 (the equivalent of about £40,000 today) was raised. The whole community rallied, with local organisations, businesses, primary schools, and individuals all playing a part, and a host of fundraising events taking place across Banchory and the surrounding area.

Restoration Work

Work officially began in March 1992. The joints of the tower were cleaned out and loose stones were repaired. Flagstones were re-laid on the floor of the tower and a wrought iron entrance door was fitted.

The base of the tower was repaired where needed, and the eroded ground around it was restored and returfed.

Two view indicator points were added to help visitors identify the surrounding hills and landmarks, while carefully placed granite boulders offered resting spots without spoiling the hill’s natural character.

Engineering Feat: The New Staircase

One of the most impressive feats was the creation and installation of a brand-new 50ft metal staircase and viewing platform, generously produced by a group of North-East oil industry firms.

The challenge of getting the staircase inside the tower was solved though some spectacular engineering. A helicopter was used to lower it into place with remarkable precision. Not a single stone was scratched in the process.

BP Exploration and AOC International were the principal funders of the staircase. Enterprise Engineering designed and fabricated the structure, while Thistle Engineering carried out the dimensional survey. RigBlast provided rope access services during the installation, and Bond Helicopters airlifted the staircase into place with remarkable precision.

Royal Reopening

The grand reopening of the 15th of September 1992 was marked in style by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, who braved the windy hilltop in a kilt for the special occasion. Representatives from all those who had contributed to the project were there to see him climb the tower, take in the sweeping views, and declare the renovation a “credit to all involved.”