We all know the castle with its beautiful grounds and we are very lucky to have this amazing place in our community, it brings in lots of visitors to the area.

As many of you will know it is looked after by a committee of trustees and the day to day running is managed by Sue Ellis who does a fantastic job of attracting and running events as well as weddings which keep the revenue coming in towards the substantial costs of the castle's upkeep.

Just recently the castle (along with other local businesses and places of interest), has been vandalised by a group of mindless individuals that have no regard for other people's property of the community in which they live. Offensive graffiti and phallic symbols have been sprayed on some of the walls which due to the very nature of the building, of significant historical and archaeological importance, will cost a lot of money to put right.

You may have recently read an article on Borders Counties Advertizer's page (which was shared on Facebook and whom we have to thank for the main picture on this page) detailing the run of bad luck the castle has endured in the past year which have hit the finances very hard. So much so, that the committee has warned there is not much more wiggle room financially and this could result in us losing this beasutiful and unique building as an attraction for the area if there are any more issues.

If we all pull together to see how we can help then it would provide a much needed boost for the committee and show them that the community is truly behind them and what they are doing for us. I realise that not everyone has bundles of cash in these times, but even a small donantion can go a long way if there are enough of us doing it, even £5 would make a difference.

Part of me truly thinks that we have a duty to give something back to these people and the castle for what it has delivered over the years since being revovated 11 years ago. So, if you have been to an event there, walk your dog around the grounds, got married there or have visited with your children to feed the ducks, then surely a £5 or £10 donation is a pittance to pay for all those memories?

I would also like to add that there may be some local (or not so local) businesses that people own, are part of or are associated with that might be able to help with this current predicament of spray painted graffiti on a building of historical importance. If so, then either get in touch with me or get in touch with Sue Ellis or the committee directly on 01691 662500 or by email to info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk.

Let's help an old friend in need.....