Stone is the most common material used in traditional buildings in Scotland. There are considerable regional differences in types of stone available, it is important to understand how these variations affect the performance of the building fabric and to repair accordingly.

Repair of ancient monuments and ruined structures has practical and philosophical challenges. We carry out work to stabilise structures, increase the longevity of the ruin and allow safe visitor access. work includes stitching cracks and monitoring movement, rough racking of exposed wall cores and introduction of metal supports for damaged structural stones. In all cases new stone is carefully selected and worked to be sympathetic to the structure whilst still producing a readable repair.

We also install ‘soft toppings’ to exposed wall heads comprising clay, turf and plants. Turf capping provides long term weather protection and enhances the naturalistic appearance of a ruin.

These buildings are often remote and we have considerable experience working in isolated areas and islands.

Clay and turf wallhead capping

Fishers Tower. Restoration of rubble wall with clay mortar, pointed with lime mortar

Balmerino Abbey, NTS

Hill of Tarvit, brick wall reconstruction with new buttresses

New stone is selected to match the appearance and weathering properties of the original, we match the method of surface dressing so the repair weathers seamlessly with the existing stone. We can indent stone, reset and replace copes, construct rubble and rebuild chimneys. We also carry out ‘Lithomex’ type repairs to restore non-structural surfaces or features.

Stone forestair in whinstone and sandstone

Sandstone slab replacement

Rubble wall reconstruction