Cawdor Castle

GLM was appointed to design and manage a scheme of Historic Scotland grant aided repairs to the celebrated A Listed Cawdor Castle in Morayshire. The project comprised of the replacement of all existing roof coverings and repairs to stonework including the conservation of carved stone dormer pediments. Detailing was particularly important and it was imperative not to change the appearance of this much visited and photographed building. Many of the prominent roofs were covered with thick stone slates from a local quarry and while matching slate was unobtainable, some second hand stone slates were sourced. The absence of rhones and chimney cans presented technical challenges as did the skew details, but these problems were resolved by very careful detailing, introducing lead soakers and stainless steel mesh reinforcement to lime mortar fillets. A conservative and environmental approach was adopted to tackle the timber decay. The project was completed very timely, amazingly close to the original budget and the end result boasted a harmonious whole.