The works will look to employ new interventions to address concerns with the concrete and its internal reinforcement bars. A secondary structure will be installed beneath the existing concrete, using non-ferrous materials, timber and blockwork, which will be more suited to the aggressive maritime environment. This will allow HES to safely carry out further necessary works to the interior of the Castle. It is estimated that the Great Hall works will take approximately three weeks to complete.
This follows an intricate operation to temporarily relocate historic objects from the Great Hall to ensure their protection while the works are underway. The artefacts, which are owned by The Macneil of Barra, include six muskets, two halberds and an impressive armorial.
The muskets and halberds are stamped with dates from 1742 and 1743, dating them back to the time of the Jacobite Risings. The armorial, a metal coat of arms which has been painted and lacquered, includes depictions of a Lion Rampant, a masted ship and Kisimul Castle, and was presented to Clan Macneil in 1968. The relocation activity also allowed for the documentation of the objects to be updated with new photographs and measurements, with condition checks also taking place.
These works are the next stage in HES’s long-term goal to reopen Kisimul Castle to visitors once it is safe to do so. Last year, High-Level Masonry inspections and associated works took place to the exterior of the Castle. These works were the start of a programme to address concerns related to the Castle’s concrete and reinforcement bars following a major 20th century restoration, as well as the impacts of salt and moisture from Kisimul Castle’s coastal location.
In March this year, HES also carried out repairs to the slipway which will help to facilitate access for visitors once the Castle has reopened.
James MacPherson, District Architect at HES, said:
We are delighted to be progressing works to the interior of the castle which is a key milestone in our programme of conservation work and is another step forward in our long-term plans to reopen Kisimul Castle to visitors.
“We appreciate that the communities of Barra and Vatersay are keen to showcase Kisimul Castle to visitors who arrive from all over the world, and we will continue to work closely with the local community. We are pleased to run free seasonal boat trips around the bay and Castle again this year and hope visitors enjoy exploring the wider area while access to the Castle is currently restricted.”
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.
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For further information, please contact:
Stacey Shaw
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
communications@hes.scot