A HISTORIC 15th century landmark in Port Glasgow is hogging the limelight once again after a new £28,000 lighting system was switched on for the first time.

Newark Castle is back in the spotlight for the first time in five years after tests on state-of-the-art illumination apparatus were successfully carried out.

The new LED technology is the very latest on the market and is similar to that used to light up world-famous structures such as New York’s Empire State Building and Edinburgh Castle.

The move is part of a £28,000 project by Inverclyde Council to boost the profile of the 15th century structure and make it more visible to passers-by on the nearby A8 dual carriageway and train line.

It is hoped the striking new look will encourage people to stop off and visit the castle and explore Inverclyde.

Councillor Michael McCormick, environment and regeneration convener, said: “It has been four or five years since the castle has been illuminated at night and even then it was only in one colour.

“This new system has been developed to showcase the castle in all its glory and if the technology is good enough for the Empire State building and Edinburgh Castle then it is definitely good enough for Inverclyde.” The technology is energy efficient and castle bosses will also have the option to change the colour of the lights to suit various occasions such as St Andrew’s or Valentine’s day.

Tests have now been carried out and the system is expected to be up and running early in the new year, subject to approval from Newark operators Historic Scotland.

David Robertson, from L.I.T.E Limited, Architectural Lighting Scotland, said: “The historic castle will be using the most modern lighting technology available which will provide an energy efficient lighting solution combined with enormous flexibility and colour options.

“Special occasions such as St Andrew’s Day and St Valentine’s Day can be celebrated using relevant colours on these days and bring the building to life throughout the rest of the year.” Newark Castle was built in 1478 and has been added to and altered many times over the centuries.

An early visitor to the castle was King of Scotland James IV in 1495 on his way to the Hebrides to quell unrest in the islands.

At the height of Port Glasgow’s shipbuilding success, the structure was masked by the cranes and sheds of the yards and only recently in its long history has it become visible and notable once again for its renaissance and Tudor architecture.