Reflections on Dunans Castle from Research Expert, Dr. Sydney Conroy

When the opportunity arose to join Adventures in Preservation (AiP) on their restoration trip to Scotland to work on the beautiful Dunans Castle, I couldn't imagine saying anything other than “yes”! 

And then, I started to feel worried: I’m a therapist, weeks away from finishing a PhD on collective trauma recovery, with very little practical experience with tools - as in Girl Scout badges and a woodshop class in middle school - to be genuinely useful in restoring a castle wall. While I could tell you the history of trauma as a psychological experience, I wouldn’t ever claim to be in the realm of a historian to know the legacy of the Fletcher clan or be familiar with the work of Thomas Telford. So what in the world am I doing on a trip with people who have personal ties to Dunans, or have experiences with other restoration projects, or love history so much that they would know their tartan? 

Dunans Castle exterior. Photo by Dr. Sydney Conroy

As it turns out, not a single one of those worries that floated around in the week leading up to the trip mattered in the end. 

The AiP team was incredibly welcoming and never once did this group of incredibly knowledgeable people ever make me feel like I shouldn’t be joining this trip. 

Maybe even more importantly, the team at Dunan’s were so patient and encouraging and kind in their education as we helped to repoint the curtain wall with lime mortar. Eland, the expert stonemason and his son Sandy, were able to introduce and explain an amazing amount of knowledge - from tools to technique to the safety - without it ever feeling overwhelming or like you ‘should’ have come into this experience knowing these things already. Charles, co-owner of Dunans alongside his wife Sadie, told engaging stories of the grounds over delicious meals and walks around the property that left me wanting to befriend a ghost and book another trip back. The passion and care to restore and celebrate this space and structure is palpable even before you step foot on the property. 

Mason expert, Eland Stuart, carving out a 19th century ledge at while instructing AiP Jammers at Dunan’s Castle. Photo by Dr. Sydney Conroy.

While the work itself is the type of work that gathers satisfaction over the course of the day, as you see the progress in real time, it is not a trip that is all work and no play. (Which, as a therapist who uses play therapy, is very important to me!). 

Over the course of the week, we were able to explore three other castles: Mount Stuart, Inveraray Castle, and Rothesay Castle. Bringing the grand total to four castles in one week - and one of those will forever be marked by the restoration work of all of us who choose to volunteer with AiP! There are also native woodlands and bridges to explore on the property as well as play moments with the pups of the castle. 

Exterior of Rothesay Castle, one of many cultural expeditions we took while working on the Dunans project. Photo by Dr. Sydney Conroy

As someone who would have never known where to start to get involved in conversation and restoration work that is vetted, helpful, and meaningful - I couldn’t be more grateful to have spent the week with AiP and Dunans Castle who showed me that volunteer work out of your field can be inclusive, engaging, and fun!