Conservation Management
Ensuring that important buildings of the past maintained and cared for effectively so that future generations can continue to use, appreciate and enjoy them is of utmost importance to the studio. We have been lucky enough to be involved in numerous historic pieces of Architecture across the country and helped to devise unique management plans for each of these notable historic buildings and structures.
Bunavoneader Whaling Station
Bunavoneader Whaling Station is the finest and best preserved example of a shore-based whaling station in the UK and was designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1992. It operated commercially between 1904 and 1928 with a break during World War I and reopened briefly, on a much smaller scale, in the early 1950’s.
The archaeological remains of the whaling station are extensive and retain physical evidence of all three phases of its operation unencumbered by later development. Most visually striking is the tall brick chimney, a landmark which, for the local community, is a strongly emotive symbol of an aspect of their social, economic and cultural history.
The site is owned by The North Harris Trust. The Trust is dedicated to preserving the site and wishes to make it accessible, physically, intellectually and emotionally, for the local community and wider constituencies.
John Renshaw Architects and Headland Archaeology were appointed in November 2006 to prepare a Conservation and Management Plan to promote a strategic approach to the preservation of the site by providing information about its origins, development and cultural significance. It explains how that significance is vulnerable and sensitive to change and sets out policies for managing change in any future use or development of the site without adversely affecting its significance
Ballachulish Inclined Plane
Built in 1822, the Ballachulish inclined plane was one of two planes that aided in the functioning of the world renowned slate mine. Its job was to transport empty carts back up to the mine. Another plane, now gone, transported the slate down to the harbour. This is the only standing built incline plane left in Scotland and we were commissioned to undertake a conservation management plan to ensure that it remained as a monument to all of the mine workers.
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
This project involved the production of a conservation and management plan for the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery. The traditional Victorian Museum houses an eclectic and diverse collection of artefacts, natural, artistic and scientific.
Surgeons Hall
A conservation and management plan for William Playfair’s Surgeons Hall Nicolson Street including the Pathology Museum, Jules Thorn and Dental Museums and all associated collections of anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments and the library, archive and portraits, paintings and busts of the College. The study was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Newhailes House
A historic building and landscape survey of Newhailes House and Estate East Lothian for the National Trust for Scotland. The building is a category A listed building.
Wester Kittochside Farmstead
A historic building and landscape survey of Wester Kittochside Farmstead for the National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland and assisting in the preparation of the conservation and management plan for the proposed Kittochside National Museum of Scottish Country Life.
The consultancy also included assistance with the preparation of the management plan for the historic landscape. The museum has since changed its name to the National museum of rural life.
Falls of Clyde
Detailed feasibility for restoration and use of ten key buildings, access features and planted features taking forward the recommendations of our 1997 Management Study for Scottish Natural Heritage.
Proposals include Bonnington pavilion, Corra castle, Bonnington iron-bridge and island, Corehouse north drive and lodge, and other viewpoints, steps, walks and features. For Scottish Wildlife Trust with Strathclyde Buildings Preservation Trust; joint commission with Peter McGowan Associates.
