The Pearl of the North:
Ballindalloch Castle
Speyside, Moray
Ballindalloch Castle, known as the Pearl of the North, is a Category A listed castle in the heart of Speyside, developed from a Z-plan tower of 1546 into a Victorian baronial mansion. We advised the owners on the conservation of the building and carried out chimney stack repairs and the replacement of cement harl with traditional lime harling and limewash.
Before & after
Drag across the image to compare the building before our work and after completion.
BeforeAfter
The challenge
The sheer scale of the castle made planning and site management the main challenge. The existing cement harl was brittle, hollow in many areas and discoloured, and was preventing moisture from escaping through the masonry walls.
Our solution
We surveyed the cement harl to establish the scope, then divided the building into sections and phased the works for efficient progress, with scaffolding subcontracted so our masons could concentrate on removing cement and reinstating lime. Chimney stacks were repaired and vented, and the walls re-harled in lime and limewashed so the masonry can breathe again.
Outcomes
Breathable finish restored
Lime harling and limewash replaced failing cement across the castle.
Phased for efficiency
Sectional working kept a large project pragmatic and cost-effective.
Chimneys secured
Stacks repaired and fitted with vents.
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