DUNVEGAN CASTLE ROOF RESTORATION UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2010
'lead roof and are ahead of schedule are
The MacLeod Estate is pleased to announce that the restoration works on the first phase of works to repair and renew Dunvegan Castle's lead roof are ahead of schedule and are due to be completed in November 2010, two months earlier than forecast. The team involved in this important project to secure the fabric of Dunvegan Castle are Simpson & Brown (Architects), D. Blake & Co (Contractor), Morham & Brotchie Ltd (Chartered Quantity Surveyors) and the MacLeod Estate.
The project’s architect, James Simpson, said:
"This year's work on the repair of Dunvegan Castle’s roof is making excellent progress and will be completed before the worst of the winter storms. A scaffold temporary roof, provided by main contractor D. Blake & Co of Edinburgh, has enabled the work to continue in all weathers throughout the year. Part of this year's work still in progress is the restoration of the 17th century 'Pipers' Gallery', where generations of MaCrimmons, hereditary pipers to Chiefs of clan the Macleod, would have played their legendary piobraireachd. Much remains to be done, but the castle, which had fallen on hard times, is well on the road to recovery."
John Laing, Highland Councilor, said:
“On my last visit, over eighteen months ago, I witnessed the extent of the difficulties and problems that the MacLeod Estate was facing due to the extremely poor condition of the roof and the urgent requirement for major improvements to the fabric of the castle to ensure that Dunvegan Castle retains its place as one of the top tourist attractions and largest private sector employers in Skye. It was obvious that day that extensive repairs would be needed to put the roof back in good order and that financing the project would not be for the faint hearted. I was delighted that the Highland Council was able to assist through Highland Opportunity, that the rest of the funding was eventually secured and that the works commenced in February this year. It was particularly pleasing for me to see for myself the significant progress that has been made and I was particularly impressed by the high quality of the workmanship and the attention to detail that has been given to the project. So congratulations to all who have been involved in this vital project to secure Dunvegan’s future.”
In order to further protect the building’s fabric and render it truly wind and watertight, the MacLeod Estate has commissioned Simpson & Brown to overhaul and repair as many windows as possible during this first phase, especially those on the West sea-facing elevation which are in very poor condition. The brief is to make this iconic part of Scotland’s heritage Skye proof in every sense, even the skylights are to be clad in lead and all the old rusty cast iron down pipes are being replaced by maintenance free lead ones.
Despite the drop in visitor numbers due to the volcanic ash cloud in April and the economic recession, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens has enjoyed a relatively good season and would like to thank all those who have continued to support it. We would also like to thank our visitors for bearing with us during these essential works when the castle was partially covered in scaffolding and a temporary roof.
For further information and photographs of the works, please contact:
Hugh MacLeod
Estate Manager
MacLeod Estate
Dunvegan House
Isle of Skye IV55 8WF
t: 01470 521 206
e: info@dunvegancastle.com
