Local heritage group urging residents to object to demolition of school building

Castletown Heritage says history of Westhill House goes further back than Buchan School

A local heritage group is encouraging Castletown residents to object to the demolition of a former Georgian era school building.

Castletown Heritage says it is not against The Buchan School housing development, but would like to see Westhill House, which was used for boarders and has local architectural features, remain.

David Bellamy, a former pupil at the school, held a talk last night to share the history and background of the building.

Mr Bellamy told attendees that the house had a history which preceded its use at The Buchan as a school building.

He adds Westhill House was built in the 1800s and is ‘entwined’ with the education of girls during that time.

Mr Bellamy also believes that if the house was a registered building there wouldn’t be a demolition threat:

The house is under threat due to a planning application from Hartford Homes to build 85 new houses.

In its plans, the company would demolish Westhill and an old water well – but would keep the boundary walls.

Anne Cottier was a teacher at The Buchan School for 26 years and says Westhill is  haunted and when she was working late would feel the presence of spirits from former students.

She taught from 1988 to 2012 and added the building was used as a staff room and a medical centre:

Steve McAllister-Pell, Chair of Castletown Heritage says the building goes 'further back' than The Buchan School: