Media Section

Ayrshire World
Friday 3rd June 2005

A Haunting Experience

A brave family will spend the night with ghouls and ghosts to raise money in memory of their son.The Kelly family will curl up under their duvets for an entire night in the haunted castle with only torches to see them through the night. Around 60 of their family and friends will join them on the sleep over which they hope will raise thousands of pounds for the Absent Friends charity.

Mum Linda, 43 told the World: ‘We are going to sleep in Dundonald Castle for this fundraiser. ‘A paranormal group investigated the castle and apparently they found proof of ghosts. I think if I see anything I will smile quietly to myself. Mind you, id probably run a mile. It will be a great experience.’ Linda and her husband Mike 44, set up the charity after their son Darren died from cancer. Darren an apprentice joiner was just 20 when he lost his battle against the disease.

Along with their daughter Lauren, the Dundonald family made the decision to raise money to help others like young Darren. And their family and friends soon rallied round to support them. So far Absent Friends has raised more than £30,000 for local hospitals. Linda went on: ‘The memory of Darren always spurs us on. He wouldn’t like all the fuss but he would be proud im sure.Darren and his pals spend a lot of time at the castle. There is a bench for him too, so it seemed like a very fitting place to do the sleep over.’

Money raised will be donated to Crosshouse oncology ward, Beatson at Glasgow and the bone marrow transplant unit at the Royal Infirmary.

The sleep over will take place this month. To make a donation call Linda on 01563 850322.

Ayr Advertiser Series
Wednesday 14th July 2004

Dundonalds Pride

Tourism minister tells villagers and staff: ‘be proud of your castle’

Tourism, Sport and Culture minister Frank McAveety visited Dundonald Castle during a visit of Ayrshire last week.

The minister took a tour of the popular tourist destination and also spoke with guests of the organisers, The friends of Dundonald.

And he told the people of Dundonald that they should be proud to have such an attractive landmark on their doorstep.

He said: ‘It’s a wonderful castle, in a stunning setting, and is just one of a many number of excellent tourist attractions in Ayrshire.

Praised Staff

Mr McAveety also praised the staff of the castle, who are responsible for the upkeep of both the grounds and the visitor centre.

By Staff Reporter

The Ayrshire Post
26th September 2003

Pictured with Provost Gordon McKenzie during Friends of Dundonald Castle’s annual cheese and wine ceilidh are (from left) committee member George Dawes, Janette Stewart, Chairman John Hunter-Paterson with wife Irene, and staff member Ann Clark. More than 60 Friends and guests attended the ceilidh in the castle, hearing an progress report on this season’s activities.