Our High-Level Masonry Engagement Co-ordinator reflects on the high-level masonry project and takes a look at reopenings this summer season.

Many of you will remember the announcement of temporary closures of 70 historic sites across Scotland in early 2022 for high-level masonry inspections. This was before I worked for Historic Environment Scotland, but I was a Historic Scotland member. I remember the disappointment, especially as I was eager to visit Linlithgow Palace for the first time – a place I’d admired long before joining HES.

However, we’ve come a long way since then, reopening or increasing access at over 50 sites to date (including at Linlithgow), creating a wealth of information about the challenges and approaches about climate change and interventions in terms of historic buildings that we’re sharing with peers as well as creating a new qualification for the sector.

We’re also continuing to reopen and increase access at further sites and are rolling the programme into our activity.

While the access restrictions disrupted visits, they were crucial for ensuring the safety of our historic buildings and visitors. Inspections require meticulous attention to detail, specialised equipment, and favourable weather conditions. They simply can’t be rushed.

Our sites span over 5,000 years of history and have been subject to different interventions over the years, including works in their more recent history. Although well-meaning at the time, some work has now proven counter intuitive to the accelerating ravages of climate change.

A multi-stage process

Since beginning the programme, we’ve inspected 67 sites and reopened 51 – plus more to come! Some of the reopened sites have temporary restrictions in place while we address any remaining concerns, but it’s important to us to open up as much as we can to our visitors whenever possible.

It’s not a one size fits all process. Our specialist teams meticulously examine each site, providing the necessary care – like doctors conducting a thorough check-up.

This may involve cleaning, repairs, or further inspections depending on the specific needs of the site.

The defensive features of castles, such as the moat at Caerlaverock, can make access a challenge for our inspection teams.

This approach has allowed us to reopen many sites, like Caerlaverock Castle. Although there are some restrictions still in place there, you can explore the majority of the castle and have a great day out.

The initial inspections are nearing completion, but the work continues. Now, our team is moving on to inspect all our structures above 1.4 meters. They’re conducting detailed tactile inspections (literally inspecting each stone by hand). The good news is that in the future, most sites won’t need to be closed for inspections.

Challenges and solutions

Some sites require more extensive work, and we’re actively recruiting skilled professionals like architects, conservators, and stonemasons to tackle these issues.

Some of the challenges we face include:

  • Weather exposure: Coastal castles face the brunt of the elements, requiring repairs to address issues like erosion and salt damage.
  • Completeness of site: Properties in a much more ruinous state can require more extensive repairs because of years of ongoing deterioration which can make them more susceptible to the elements.
  • The geology of the stone: Different types of stone have varying vulnerabilities. Sandstone, for example, is more susceptible to weathering than granite, requiring specialist techniques and materials for repairs.
  • The complexity of the repairs: At some sites, intricate carvings, often depicting religious scenes or heraldic designs, require meticulous attention from specialist conservators using traditional techniques and materials. In some cases, 3D scanning technology is used to create detailed replicas of damaged sections, ensuring the preservation of these historic details.
  • A shortage of skills: The heritage sector faces a shortage of skilled professionals, materials, and equipment, which can impact repair timelines. Additionally, the weather and the unique characteristics of each site add complexity.
  • Scotland’s weather: While we have anticipated timescales for working on the remaining sites, these are flexible and can be impacted by factors like weather and the intricacy of the repair.

Extracted from the HES website, read more here

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