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Kirkmichael, Black Isle
Kirkmichael, Black Isle
Balblair, United Kingdom
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Kirkmichael, Black Isle
Balblair, United Kingdom
Firm
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2017
SIZE
0 sqft - 1000 sqft
BUDGET
$100K - 500K
The project was an effective rebuilding of the once derelict and dangerous building at Kirkmichael, Black Isle. The building and part of the graveyard are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the building is also Category B listed. The original medieval ecclesiastical building ceased to be used for worship in the 18th century after which its condition deteriorated and in recent times had fallen into significant disrepair.
The local community were so concerned about the state of the buildings that a Trust was formed in 2002 and a programme of fundraising was started to salvage the buildings, including two large mausolea in the graveyard, and create a heritage display that would tell the story of the site and link the building to other local heritage sites. The Trust worked for more than 15 years to raise the £750,000 project cost (£370,000 construction cost). Major funders were the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, the Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and numerous others.
McGregor Bowes’ appointment as lead consultant was in 2013 and works started on the restoration in 2016. The conservation approach followed best conservation principles observing ICOMOS and Burra Charter guidelines. Specifications were also reviewed by Historic Environment Scotland and cognisance was taken of their comments. The works included: masonry repairs using the best match for the original materials after analysis by Scottish Lime Centre Trust and others; a new roof using as much of the original material as possible and matching reclaimed slates; new solid oak doors and bespoke fixed-light windows; new Caithness stone floors; new paths that were graded to improve access whilst blending with the existing levels so that they didn’t look like ramps; a new green sedum roof on an existing flat topped monument to provide weather protection.
The project included sensitive archaeology, much of which was assisted by local volunteers, to complement the repair works. Throughout the works there were a number of visits and workshops that engaged the local community in the history of the site and the techniques and materials used in the restoration.
The final part of the project was the interpretation and display element, the design of which was carried out by McGregor Bowes, who also acted as main contractor, working with StudioSP.
This created a display of medieval ornamental grave memorials that are recognised as being of considerable archaeological interest, which were relocated for conservation purposes inside the Nave of the building, and adding interpretation throughout the site. The display includes “as-new” carvings of existing medieval stones to illustrate the original appearance of two gravestones, on top of bespoke seat displays in the Nave and Chancel of the building. The detailed relief of the stones also helps improve access for an understanding by the visually impaired. The restored external monuments were also tied into the narrative of the site with new interpretation panels.
The building was opened by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester who said it was an exemplar of a community heritage project.
The local community were so concerned about the state of the buildings that a Trust was formed in 2002 and a programme of fundraising was started to salvage the buildings, including two large mausolea in the graveyard, and create a heritage display that would tell the story of the site and link the building to other local heritage sites. The Trust worked for more than 15 years to raise the £750,000 project cost (£370,000 construction cost). Major funders were the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, the Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and numerous others.
McGregor Bowes’ appointment as lead consultant was in 2013 and works started on the restoration in 2016. The conservation approach followed best conservation principles observing ICOMOS and Burra Charter guidelines. Specifications were also reviewed by Historic Environment Scotland and cognisance was taken of their comments. The works included: masonry repairs using the best match for the original materials after analysis by Scottish Lime Centre Trust and others; a new roof using as much of the original material as possible and matching reclaimed slates; new solid oak doors and bespoke fixed-light windows; new Caithness stone floors; new paths that were graded to improve access whilst blending with the existing levels so that they didn’t look like ramps; a new green sedum roof on an existing flat topped monument to provide weather protection.
The project included sensitive archaeology, much of which was assisted by local volunteers, to complement the repair works. Throughout the works there were a number of visits and workshops that engaged the local community in the history of the site and the techniques and materials used in the restoration.
The final part of the project was the interpretation and display element, the design of which was carried out by McGregor Bowes, who also acted as main contractor, working with StudioSP.
This created a display of medieval ornamental grave memorials that are recognised as being of considerable archaeological interest, which were relocated for conservation purposes inside the Nave of the building, and adding interpretation throughout the site. The display includes “as-new” carvings of existing medieval stones to illustrate the original appearance of two gravestones, on top of bespoke seat displays in the Nave and Chancel of the building. The detailed relief of the stones also helps improve access for an understanding by the visually impaired. The restored external monuments were also tied into the narrative of the site with new interpretation panels.
The building was opened by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester who said it was an exemplar of a community heritage project.
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