Scottish Castles Association

Paul painting the ceiling at Fairburn Tower

Like many members, Paul's first knowledge of the SCA was through a totally unrelated attendance, with his wife, Rachel, at a lecture on "Fife"s castles" given by Richard Fawcett for the Kirkcaldy Civic Society. After the presentation Raymond Morris of Balgonie Castle stepped up and familiarised the audience with the SCA's aims and objectives. At once Paul acquired a membership form and joined. His association with several architects and his portfolio of work had enabled him to access many historic buildings. SCA membership has provided access to buildings otherwise of limited or indeed no access to the public.

Since joining he has been a fairly regular attendee on our weekend visits. His attention to detail was noticeable, not only in the photographs he was taking, but also his copious notes and sketches. It wasn't until the September trip to Elgin that his areas of activity were revealed when he produced his portfolio of work. This clearly showed a young man of immense talent.

Born in Perth, he lived with his parents, in the gardener's cottage, on Lord Forteviot's estate around Dupplin Castle. The pastoral surroundings changed however, in 1970 when the family moved to Glenrothes in Fife then more recently to a return to more country settings near Nairn.

Examples of Paul Mowbray woodcarving

Professionally, the range of services he offers is quite broad. Paul is a national award winning artist/designer and wood craftsman. Within his range, he has created a broad variety of projects from, ornate walnut furniture and small intricate jewellery boxes for Argyll’s Lodging to large-scale projects like a panelled room complete with doors and architectural mouldings at Wolmerstoune house and a large glazed oculus for the National Galleries of Scotland collection at Paxton House. Between these extremes of scale, he has constructed numerous pieces of important furniture and fittings from early oak styles, right through to his own contemporary designs, as he believes “history should be created as well as respected”. His work can be found in Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and Landmark Trust properties.

Commissioned painting of Brackenhill Castle ( The only Scottish Castle in England )

Paul offers his artistic abilities with paintings in an array media, traditional painted ceilings and walls, period finishes and effects like trompe l oeil, heraldic design and sculpting, wood carving, casting, moulding and gilding, both traditional and contemporary furniture. In addition, design/illustration services based on his skills as an artist, using traditional materials (watercolour, ink, graphite etc, through to 3-d computer-generated images), of proposed projects environments/builds.

Mowbray Staff #4 - one of a collection of themed staffs made by Paul

Much of Paul’s enjoyment comes from the uniting with professionals on projects. Over the years he has worked alongside notable architects including, Raymond Muszynski (director Morris and Steedman Associates ), Matthew Pease (conservation and historic projects specialist ), Hurd Rolland (based in Rossend Castle) also, Simpson & Brown (Edinburgh). The practical skills were relayed by some special individuals including the late Joseph Charteris furniture designer/maker, artisan and educator, with whom he served an apprenticeship. He also continued his working experience for 10 years with the late, Peter Nicholson, proprietor of Castle Restorations (formerly based in Auchtertool). Paul was the central creative driving force within Peter’s company when Peter was awarded the title of ‘Living National Treasure’, by Country Life.

Paul’s work can be found in many historic properties including the following, Orchil House, Fairburn Tower, Couston Castle, Dairsie Castle, House of the Binns, Pitcullo Castle, Edinample Castle, for Stirling Castle at Argyll’s lodging, Wolmerstoune House, Balcarres Castle, Callendar House, Newbyth Manor, Kincardine Castle (by Auchterarder) etc. In our capital, Edinburgh, he has worked in the Georgian manner at Dolphin House, Charlotte Square, St Andrews Parish Church on George Street, numerous notable Georgian New Town properties, and the refurbishment of the Bank of Scotland, on the mound, there are many more, and current projects continue at Balnagown Castle and Knockderry Castle.