A team of more than 20 traditionally-skilled stonemasons are hard at work crafting crucial stone pieces that will eventually adorn the National Trust for Scotland’s refurbished Craigievar Castle near Alford.

Craigievar Castle is currently undergoing a major repairs project to correct structural damage and replace the castle’s cement harling with a breathable traditional lime coating. The replacement harling is in place and awaiting a fresh coat of limewash.

Now, 23 expert stonemasons from Laing Traditional Masonry Limited are hard at work crafting brand new water spouts and cannons for the castle. Many of the original spouts were lost or damaged decades ago.

Conservation staff at the Trust decided that it was important to restore the spouts, and commissioned the Aberdeenshire firm to craft the new pieces.

The designs for the stonework were created by illustrator John Borland, who has worked closely with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) on previous projects. John examined the surviving cannons and developed brand new patterns which are sympathetic to the look of the castle.

National Trust for Scotland Lead Surveyor Ian Davidson is leading the project on Craigievar Castle. He said:

“The work to create these important pieces of stonework for Craigievar Castle is a once in a century opportunity. We do not know exactly how they looked, but through careful research, we feel confident that the new pieces will add a great deal to the look of the castle.

“We thought it was important to create something new, rather than attempt to recreate the past. These are the types of judgements that need to be made continuously during a conservation project of this scale.

“The team at Laings are our main contractors on this project and we are pleased to play our part in protecting and preserving the traditional building and masonry skills for which they are so well-known, as we protect and preserve one of Scotland’s best loved castle for generations to come.”

Steven Laing, Managing Director at Laings Traditional Masonry said:

“The team are thoroughly enjoying this latest piece of the project. Each mason has the chance to make their mark on a stone that will survive for centuries and that will be enjoyed by future generations. It is a great honour to be taking on an important role in restoring one of Scotland’s most prestigious castles to its former glory.“