Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 44
Braemar Castle
After 18 months under lock and key, Braemar Castle opened its doors this month to reveal a
startling transformation.
The structure has been restored to its former glory with
its turrets, towers and curtain wall rendered in a
traditional oatmeal shade, while the castle’s treasured
collection has been returned to a now wind and watertight interior.
This soft opening marks a key moment for Braemar
Community Ltd., whose volunteers have carefully
unpacked the Castle’s treasured items, from the smallest
pieces of cutlery to giant four-poster beds.
Bell Ingram Design has been at the heart of the £1.6
million project to restore the A-Listed landmark to its
former glory, with conservation architect Susan Burness
heading up the team alongside main contractor Harper
& Allen Masonry.
Susan Burness said: “The restoration work is a key
milestone in the wider plans to transform Braemar Castle
and its Estate into a cultural destination and top-class visitor attraction that compliments the amazing landscape
and helps promote Braemar as a learning and engagement
hub.
“It is an extraordinary building with a fascinating history,
and it’s been an honour to work with Braemar Community
Ltd. to deliver such an important community project.
Above, Braemar Castle July 2023 (c. Doreen Wood)
“I believe that the work we have done will future
proof the building and allow the Trust to preserve the
furnishings and artworks which call Braemar Castle home.”
Most of the work was focussed on the external fabric of
the building, which included structural repair, and the
re-harling and lime-washing of exterior masonry and the
curtain wall in an oatmeal colour which was based on a
small sample of historic lime wash which was uncovered
when the cement harl was removed.
Susan continued: “The restored building reflects the
original colour, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the
Castle. Essential interior works, including electrical
upgrade, window repairs and drainage upgrade, now provide a more appropriate environment for the collections
stopping any further detrimental effects and providing a
more pleasant environment for visitors.”
Fog House
Earlier this year, Bell Ingram volunteers spent three days
picking heather on the Deeside hillside at Invercauld
Estate.
Their job was to collect 80-bales of heather for
professional thatcher Brian Wilson to use as material to
re-roof a small decorative garden feature – known as the
Fog House - in the grounds of Braemar Castle.
