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The Power of Community in Heritage at Dundonald Castle

Royal Dundonald Castle in South Ayrshire, Scotland, is far more than a historic landmark. Under the stewardship of the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO (SC031541), this 14th-century fortress has become a shining example of how a united community can drive social, cultural, and economic transformation. The Castle and Visitor Centre is a testament to the power of collective effort, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future.

Community-Led

In the last 10 years, the castle and its Visitor Centre have grown into vital assets for the local community, welcoming over 25,000 visitors annually and providing a space for education, events, and shared experiences and functioning as a warm and welcoming community hub. This success was made possible by the collaborative spirit of local residents, businesses, and volunteers who believed in the castle’s potential​​.

The community’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Dundonald Castle has been recognised as a model of community-driven heritage tourism, winning the prestigious “Celebrating Thriving Communities” award at both the regional and national levels of the Scottish Thistle Awards in 2024. These accolades celebrate the power of a collective vision to foster inclusion, sustainability, and economic growth​​.

Building Wealth Together

FoDC has demonstrated how communities can create lasting economic impact when they come together. The organisation currently employs 15 staff members and has over 60 active volunteers, making it one of the largest employers in the village. Local businesses benefit as well, through collaborative initiatives such as promoting local suppliers in the café, promoting local crafters, authors and artists in the gift shop and working with local suppliers through wedding and event packages​​.

FoDC’s partnerships with programs like the Thriving Communities Evolve Programme and the Developing the Young Workforce initiative empower residents with skills and employment opportunities, creating a cycle of reinvestment in the local economy​.

Empowerment Through Shared History

At Dundonald Castle, history becomes a shared experience that unites and excites. FoDC’s education programs bring the past to life for students, families, and community members, fostering a deep sense of pride and ownership. Alongside this they also host community archaeology digs, volunteer-led tours, and hands-on learning and family-friendly events all year round. This enables participants of all ages to connect with their heritage in meaningful ways​​.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the castle’s operations. From tour guides to making coffees to event support, community members contribute their time and talents, gaining invaluable skills in the process. Programs like the Saltire Award and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme provide young people with opportunities to grow, while others find purpose and connection through roles in customer service, education, and hospitality​.

A Hub of Connection and Inclusion

The power of community is most evident in how Dundonald Castle brings people together. Its inclusive programs ensure that everyone feels welcome, from creating dementia-friendly spaces to designing sensory tours for those with additional support needs. The castle’s community archaeology projects and public events, such as cultural performances and family days, unite people around a shared appreciation of history and culture​​.

The sense of connection extends beyond the castle grounds. FoDC collaborates with partners to improve local outdoor spaces, enhance accessibility, and promote sustainable tourism. This network of partnerships exemplifies the strength of working together for a common goal​​.

Dundonald Castle’s transformation is a story of what communities can achieve when they unite around a shared purpose. The accolades it has earned, including its Scottish Thistle Awards wins as well as Volunteer Friendly and TripAdvisor Hall of Fame awards, are a reflection of the collective passion and dedication of everyone involved. Chairperson Anne Campbell aptly noted that these achievements are a testament to the “hard work, passion, and dedication” of the entire team and surrounding community and visitors​​.

A Vision for the Future

Plans to expand the Visitor Centre, enhance educational facilities, and pilot environmental tourism projects signal a bright future for the community-driven initiative. By continuing to prioritise collaboration and inclusivity, Dundonald Castle is poised to remain a beacon of community empowerment for generations to come​.

Dundonald Castle exemplifies the transformative power of community. It shows that when people come together with a shared vision, they can create something greater than the sum of its parts—a place where history, culture, and connection thrive, enriching the lives of all who visit.