Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 47
About Braemar Castle
A 400 year old historic landmark strategically positioned at the entrance of the charming
village of Braemar, is due to reopen in late summer 2023 after extensive conservation and
re-development work.
One of the few tourist attractions in Scotland run by a
community, the seat of the Clan Farquharson has been
managed by a local charity, Braemar Community Limited,
since 2007.
The restoration of the Castle exterior and Curtain Wall
included structural repair, re-harling and lime-washing.
The work was essential to secure the building for the
enjoyment of many future generations.
Over the course of 15 years, community volunteers, with
the help of a small team of staff, have been keeping the
Castle open to visitors, increasing footfall, raising funds
for basic repairs and delighting tourists and locals with a
host of wonderful stories, community events and historic
re-enactments.
Visitors can now approach the building via a new, fully
accessible path featuring a historic timeline. Inside
the curtain wall, a newly appointed visitor cabin, offers
accessible toilets, historic interpretation panels, digital
interactives and a small, curated Castle shop.
The redeveloped Castle grounds will be accessible 7 days
a week and will include a new kitchen garden, a woodland
trail and a restored Fog House, a Victorian garden folly
with stunning views over the surrounding hills.
In 2019 this ambitious community began a £1.6m project
called Raising the Standard, to preserve the Castle fabric,
re-develop its grounds and deliver an exciting and innovative programme of activities to promote volunteering,
learning and wellbeing. The project, which continues into
2025, has been made possible by the National Lottery
Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland,
alongside generous private donations.
Please check Braemar Castle website for updates on
opening times, special events and engagement
opportunities.
www.braemarcastle.co.uk
Harper and Allan Masonry are a stonemasonry company specialising in the repair/conservation and
maintenance of traditionally built buildings. Set up in 2015 by Andrew Allan and Steven Harper the
company is based in Keith, Banffshire but can operate throughout Scotland.
Between us we have over 30 years experience working with traditional buildings, materials,
techniques and managing major refurbishment projects.
Dedicated to provide high quality workmanship and personal customer service from Castle to Cottage.
We are proud to have worked on Braemar Castle.
Our services include:
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Stone Indenting, Carving & Letter Cutting
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Lime Mortar Pointing
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Lime Harling/Limewashing
Lime Based Stone Mortar Repairs
Masonry Building, Stabilisation and Consolidation
Stone Cleaning and Conservation
O
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Lime Plastering
Building Inspections and Surveys
Harper and Allan Masonry Ltd
Mobile: 07912 607 549
Email: enquiries@harperandallanmasonry.co.uk - Website: www.harperandallanmasonry.co.uk
Office: Strathview, 51 Fife Street, Keith, Banffshire, AB55 5EG
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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