By Tara Fitzpatrick

A £42,000 restoration project is beginning at Dumbarton Castle by Historic Environment Scotland.

The conservation aims to restore a stone sentry turret at the castle which was struck by lightning in 2016.

Last week, a helicopter delivered materials to the upper levels of the castle – which is over 500 steps high.

Scaffolding will then be installed around the remains of the turret to allow staff access, and to build up traditional wooden propping to support the roof as it is reconstructed.

Once the keystone at the summit of the dome has been fitted, the roof will be self-supporting and the props removed.

The castle, where Mary Queen of Scots took refuge before fleeing to France in 1548, sits on the volcanic rock which overlooks the Clyde.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Conservation for HES said: “The damage caused to the sentry cupola by lightning earlier this year caused significant damage to electrical systems and the masonry tower - I visited the site soon after the incident and was taken aback at the destructive power of the lightning strike.

"By combining the conservation and traditional craft skills of our stone masons we will be able to re-construct the tower, retaining as much historic fabric as possible.

"The geology of the rock was of course a key attribute in its use as a place of fortification - the ease of defending the site and the dramatic vista from the rock were key to its success. Those same attributes present us with challenges in transporting heavy materials safely to the top of the rock. In this scenario it is often quicker and safer to use a helicopter to transport the materials to where they are needed."

The conservation project is part of a wider investment plan for Dumbarton Castle with further restorations planned for 2018 and 2019.