MAAC-Studio

Hidden amongst the trees, near Eilean Donan Castle, is a surprise.
The little "Brutalist" chapel of St Donnan.

Sitting quietly in the woods, approached by a winding path, it evokes stillness and calm. The plain exterior conceals an interior of bare, expressive materials. The alter of carved concrete and stone are serene.

It is quite poetic.

Scottish Episcopal Church
United Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness
Inverness Guide
Scotland's Churches Trust

Staring into the void - if a crack appears in a masonry wall and you point it up with you point up a crack with cement mortar. The lime washes away and you end up with a big whole behind.

Work is well underway at Culturlann Inbhir Nis, the new Gaelic Centre in the heart of Inverness.

Its great to see this fine old church with a fascinating history get a new lease of life and some essential repairs.

The project is supported by the Scottish Government, the Community Regeneration Fund, AHF and Inverness City Heritage Trust.
Laing Traditional Masonry Group Ltd
Inverness Guide
Alexander Ross Architect
Inverness Civic Trust
Cultarlann Inbhir Nis

Mortar repairs for stone might be tempting as a quick fix, but is it a false economy....

Scot Lime
Building Limes Forum

Further thoughts on Lithomex The issue of stone repair is a popular topic on our website. We have encountered problems with Lithomex on several buildings. One building in particular sh

Whats this in the undergrowth ?

Could we have discovered the iron frame of the mill wheel that once drove the machinery in the old mill hall ?

An exciting discovery that could lift this project to another level.

AOC Archaeology Group
Friends of The Balmacara Old Mill Hall
Heritage Trust Network

The sweeping picturesque curve of Cromarty Harbour, designed by the engineer John Smeaton and completed in 1785, is special on many counts.

It not only looks beautiful, it shaped the development of the town, and it shaped the development of engineering.

Smeaton was a pioneering engineer, especially in the development of lime mixes.

We are on site with taking samples for analysis to inform future conservation works.

I wonder what they will tell us.?

Research by Historic England has shown that interaction with heritage or the historic environment can be a positive factor in supporting individual and community wellbeing. Did you realise that your heritage restoration or regeneration project had that potential? Join us at Bramley Baths in Leeds next month for our day conference Heritage for Good: Putting Wellbeing at the Heart of Restoration Projects to find out more. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/673081885037?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Power and The Passion : The Architecture of Old St Peters Kirk, Thurso - An illustrated talk by Calum Maclean, this Saturday 16th September at 2.30pm at St Peter & the Holy Rood, Thurso as part of Doors Open Days. All are welcome.

The talk will explore the architecture of Old St Peters Kirk as an instrument of power, as the Scottish and Norse Kingdoms wrestled for control of Caithness in the early medieval period. The design reveals the close links between architectural developments in Caithness and Orkney, including St Magnus Cathedral, which influenced the Old St Peter’s Kirk. The talk will then explore the Gothic Revival in the Victorian period, taking a closer look at St Peter and The Holy Rood Church. It will discuss how the architect Alexander Ross studied the origins of early Scottish Architecture, revealing its links with the medieval church.

Old St Peter's Kirk Preservation Association

The Power and The Passion : The Architecture of Old St Peters Kirk, Thurso
An illustrated talk by Calum Maclean.

The talk will explore the architecture of Old St Peters Kirk as an instrument of power, as the Scottish and Norse Kingdoms wrestled for control of Caithness in the early medieval period. The design reveals the close links between architectural developments in Caithness and Orkney, including St Magnus Cathedral, which influenced the Old St Peter’s Kirk. The talk will then explore the Gothic Revival in the Victorian period, taking a closer look at St Peter and The Holy Rood Church. It will discuss how the architect Alexander Ross studied the origins of early Scottish Architecture, revealing its links with the medieval church.