What was the Plan?

Planning the conservation work took years of research, investigation, and survey by a team of specialists assembled by the SRCT. 

Using their expertise and the wealth of detailed information gathered during the planning process, the project team has undertaken work on the East Church following best conservation practice. 

Traditional materials and techniques were used, and the project  also provided an opportunity for apprentices to gain valuable skills and experience.

These are just some of the tasks were undertaken during conservation work on the church:

• The cement harling and gypsum plaster has been taken off and replaced by traditional lime harl that can both absorb water and allow moisture to evaporate - letting the building ‘breathe’. You can take a look at the Scottish Lime Centre website for more information on this process.
• Drainage ditches around the church have been redone to take more water away from the church.
• The pews were temporarily removed to allow proper investigation of the ground conditions inside the church.
• All the roof slates have been removed and any damaged timber beneath repaired or replaced. A breathable underlayer has been used and slates replaced using copper nails.
• The delicate astragals (fine wooden framing to each window pane) have been repaired and, only if necessary, replaced.
• Window panes have been repaired so that all the historic glass can be kept.
• The boundary wall has been re-harled and new coping stones put on.

During the conservation work apprentices worked alongside skilled craftsmen learning traditional skills of masonry and lime harling.

The East Church conservation team

LDN Architects, Forres -  Architect
Laing Traditional Masonry Ltd - Main Contractor
Torrance Partnership -  Quantity Surveyor
Mott MacDonald -   Structural Engineer
Ridout Associates  - Environmental Monitoring
Highland Archaeology Services Ltd - Archaeologist
Andrew PK Wright  - Conservation Adviser
Dr David Alston    - Historical research