KINLOCH CASTLE FRIENDS ASSOCIATION - Mausoleum Repairs
Repair Work to the Bullough Mausoleum, Isle of Rum
Cumming & Co of Perth have commenced work on the mausoleum.
Exploratory work started about a month ago, when scaffolding was erected against the west gable. An attempt was made to correct the lean on it, but because it had been leaning for many years, the cracks had filled up with rubble, soil etc, and this was not possible.
The following course of action will be taken. The gable will be taken down and re-built. There is a lean to a lesser extent on the east gable, and it will be taken down and re-built as well. On this occasion, they will be be properly tied into the roof and masonry, to prevent this problem recurring in another 100 years. The roof timbers are constructed with oak. They are sound, and are not being replaced, but are being treated with preservative, some of which has already been applied. The concrete steps, although sound are being upgraded with a suitable stone finish, more in keeping with the building. The wording on the three Sarcophagi will be replaced (in other words they will be highlighted in black or gilt).
The picture on the right, provided by KCFA member Graham Bullough, shows the cracks in the west gable.
Chains have been sourced to replace those on the inner fence, and one of the hooks has been removed from the sandstone pillars on this fence, so that exact replicas can be produced. That is currently in hand. Finally a new outer fence, of a higher quality than the existing one will be erected at the end of the job. All in all it will be a high quality job which will be rather expensive. Historic Scotland has been involved, and because this is a Grade A listed building, they are insisting on the highest quality of restoration. Money does not seem to be a problem, and I gather that the Trustees have managed to secure some grants. That was the main reason for the delay.
The picture on the left, provided by KCFA member Graham Bullough, shows the scaffolding in place in July 2006.
The builders have been away for the last 3 weeks planning their next moves, and sourcing the necessary materials. They were due to return on Wednesday 2 August, 2006. Harris Shooting Lodge is being used to accommodate the builders, and SNH transport materials over to them as required. The bulk of this was brought from Kinloch by helicopter, and the rest has been brought over by SNH Land Rover.
Work should be finished by the end of summer.
Douglas King, Honorary Secretary, Kinloch Castle Friends Association. 03/08/2006