THE dark nights will seem a little brighter at Stobo Castle following the installation of a range of dramatic exterior lighting effects over the past few months.

In line with the policy of continual re-investment, Elliott Winyard, Director at Stobo Castle, was keen to further enhance Stobo experience for their guests. The brief was to create the “wow” factor whilst being sympathetic to the style and age of the building.

Stobo places huge importance on contracting local companies whenever possible and this development was no exception with Beltane Studios, the Scotlight Group and KSLD Lighting all playing significant roles in the project.

“It has been a pleasure to work with a client as enthusiastic about quality creative lighting as Stobo Castle. Lead Designer Claire Hope designed the flambeaux to emphasise the Scottish history of the castle, incorporating the bloom of the thistle and the antlers of the deer in the countryside surrounding Stobo Castle.

Iomhar MacIver from Beltane Studios in Peebles said: “We very much enjoyed being part of this unique and interesting project, particularly as it involved a group of skilled local craftsmen and tradesmen enhancing a local landmark. The challenge of sculpting the flambeaux from KSLD’s designs and casting them in bronze in a relatively short time was considerable but very rewarding.”

Fin Barber, Commercial Director for Scotlight Group in Innerleithen said: "We were delighted to be selected by Stobo Castle to carry out the installation of exterior lighting and gas flame flambeaux as part of their exterior makeover. The project was a fantastic opportunity for us to work with some very talented lighting designers from KSLD and the Stobo team to help them highlight the architectural beauty of the castle.”