Kelburn Castle: The Scottish Fortress Compared to Banksy
A historic Scottish castle has been likened to the work of world-renowned graffiti artist Banksy due to its vibrantly colourful walls. Kelburn Castle, located in North Ayrshire, has been a major draw for tourists since its construction in the 13th century. However, it is the castle’s unique adornment of Brazilian graffiti that has earned it comparisons to Banksy’s work.
According to the Daily Record, Kelburn Estate, located in Largs, is already famous for its stunning woodlands, often ranked among Scotland’s most picturesque. The estate’s castle, constructed in the 13th century, holds the distinction of being the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family – the Boyle family, whose head of the family is otherwise known as the Earl of Glasgow.
The castle’s unique feature is its Brazilian graffiti, which has led to the mural being named as one of the world’s top 10 examples of street art by author and designer Tristan Manco. This places it in the same league as Banksy’s work in Los Angeles and the Favela Morro Da Providencia in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2007, experts advised the Boyle family that the castle’s concrete facing would eventually need replacement to prevent further damage to the stonework. Inspired by his children, the Earl of Glasgow invited four Brazilian artists – Nunca, Nina and the Os Gemeos twins – to paint the castle walls, reports the Daily Record.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) had approved the project with the caveat that the graffiti would be removed when Kelburn Castle underwent re-harling. However, thanks to its feature on BBC’s Culture Show and the documentary ‘Crisis at the Castle’, which highlighted the financial burdens of maintaining the castle, the graffiti gained significant attention.
Upon completion, it became a sensation across the nation, leading to Lord Glasgow being granted permission to retain the mural permanently. The castle’s south side is now a canvas of vibrant colours enveloping its walls and turrets, the result of collaborating artists living within the castle for a month to conceive their plan.
During his appeal to Historic Environment Scotland, The Earl of Glasgow pressed his case: "In the three years that the mural has been on the castle it has attracted enormous interest from around the world and it is loved by everyone who sees it. It has become a landmark and a talking point and it has given the castle and the estate a whole new character."
The mural showcases a series of intertwined cartoons in vivid, surreal colours showcasing urban cultural icons and fantastical scenes. Yet this unique castle is not the sole draw to Kelburn, located merely 50 minutes from Glasgow by car or about two hours from Edinburgh.
Kelburn is accessible from Easter until October, promising visitors more than just impressive and imaginative wall art. Additionally, there’s a picturesque woodland glen next to the Waterfall Pool, nestled within a sandstone grotto. A hike to the top of the glen rewards you with breathtaking views across the Firth of Clyde and towards the Isle of Arran.
As the Daily Record reports, the castle has become a major tourist attraction, and its unique feature has put it on the map as one of Scotland’s most interesting and cultural destinations.
The castle’s transformation has been hailed as a success, with the Earl of Glasgow’s decision to invite Brazilian artists to paint the castle walls being a bold move. The result is a one-of-a-kind attraction that draws visitors from all over the world.
Kelburn Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture. Its unique blend of traditional Scottish architecture and vibrant street art makes it a standout attraction in Scotland’s rich cultural landscape.
