Ballindalloch Castle is a Category A Listed castellated mansion known as ‘the Pearl of the North’ located in the heart of Speyside. The development from 16th century fortified Scots tower house to Victorian Scots Baronial country mansion illustrates the dramatic changes in Scotland over this period. The original Z-plan tower dates from 1546 and remains the core of the building, with corbelled square cap, 19th century gabled dormers and bartizans with slated conical roofs. The original entrance from the north is now flanked by two 18th century wings; further additions and re-modelling in 1850 included the east wing and formal service court with arched entrance. The castle is harled with tooled and polished ashlar and granite dressings and margins throughout.
Scope of Work
Pictured: Ballindalloch Castle courtyard: brittle cement harling.
LTM were contracted by the owners to advise on the appropriate conservation and repair of this historic building, focusing on the performance of the structure as a mass masonry construction. Works included masonry repairs to chimney stack and the removal of the cementitious harl and reinstatement of a traditional lime harling complete with limewash.
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Challenges and Considerations
Pictured: Chimney stack: note deep voids to masonry.
The scale of the structure provided the primary challenge in terms of site management and planning logistics. LTM implemented the works in distinct phases, dividing the building into sections to facilitate efficient progress. The scaffolding works were sub-contracted allowing LTM masons to focus on the removal of the cement coating and reinstatement of lime finishes. The key consideration was therefore establishing a programmed schedule to ensure works were both pragmatic and cost effective.
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Solutions to Problems
Pictured: Finished works: close up detail.
The key concerns related directly to the condition of extant cement harling and the detrimental impact on the masonry substrate. LTM conducted a preliminary building survey to establish the scale and scope of works, focusing inspection on the cement harl. This brittle, inappropriate material was found to be boss in many areas, the cement forming an impenetrable barrier to water vapour dispersing through the physical mass of the masonry wall. In addition, the cement coating was discoloured due to natural weathering processes, with localised failure at raised margins where coated proud.
LTM considered the most appropriate solution to ensure the longevity of this historic building was the removal of the cement harling and reinstatement of lime finishes. Traditional masonry structures depend on their ability to accommodate the movement of moisture – lime mortars are ‘breathable’ and therefore prevent problems associated with water penetration.
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