Welcome to the Laing Traditional Masonry Website - “Areas of Expertise” and “Traditional Craft Skills” Services Areas

Castles and Country Houses

Scotland’s castles and country houses developed over time; they are part of the same lineage. The 12th century Motte-and-Bailey made way for the famous Tower House from the 14th century; the Laird’s House slowly emerged during the 17th century along with Classical architecture and culminated in grand Georgian mansions from the 18th century and Victorian embellishment in the 19th century. The architectural development of these iconic buildings reflects Scotland’s increasing political stability and economic prosperity, ensuring the progression from defensive castles to prestigious mansions.

LTM’s respected masonry teams, supported by our in-house Stone Conservators and Traditional Plasterers have extensive experience in conserving these landmark buildings. Understanding the historic fabric is crucial to achieving best conservation practice, focusing on the integrity of the building and maximising material performance. Whether a private home or scheduled monument, LTM have been involved in a number of significant castles and country houses.

LTM Consultancy can also provide professional, technical advice on building defects and problems, as well as undertaking maintenance inspections and detailed stone and plasterwork condition surveys. We can provide bespoke surveys to address the needs of the building and the concerns of the client, providing cost-effective repair strategies to ensure the continued use of the building through informed repair and conservation interventions.

Featured Castles and Country Houses Case Studies

Craigievar Castle - Alford - Castles and Country Houses
Craigievar Castle - Alford

Craigievar Castle is a Category A Listed Tower House dating from the early 17th century. William Forbes bought the partially completed castle in 1625 and completed it in the spirit of the Scots Renaissance. It is known as ‘the pink castle’ and has been described as ...

Ardverikie House - Loch Laggan - Castles and Country Houses
Ardverikie House - Loch Laggan

Ardverikie House is a Category A Listed building situated on a promontory overlooking Loch Laggan in the Scottish Highlands. It was designed by John Rhind of Inverness in a Scots baronial style, its gabled roofline complete with octagonal turrets with corbelled conical roofs. The tower panel is ...

Dunnottar Castle - Stonehaven - Castles and Country Houses
Dunnottar Castle - Stonehaven

Dunnottar Castle is one of the most dramatic historic sites in Scotland. It was originally an ancient Pictish fortress (5000 BC to 700 AD): “dun” is Pictish for hill fort or place of strength. The site is also believed to be an early Christian site founded by St Ninian in the 5th century ...

Castles and Country Houses - Craigievar Castle

Dedication

"I was so impressed by the work you and your masons have done on Craigievar and I know that my parents would be have been both grateful and thrilled by your work, so thank you from us all, alive and dead! It was a great occasion on friday and lovely to see our home so well cared for by your team. I have never seen the castle looking better, the way the underlying form was so crisp and clear was exciting to see. Daphne Rose gave me your details and I looked at your web page, you are a wonderful artist, your men also so many congratulations from us all to you and your team."

Gabriel Forbes-Sempill

Owner, Craigievar Castle


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