Tarbert Castle - Argyll

The earliest stone structure on this site dates from the 13th century, possibly earlier.

The fortification guarded the anchorage below in the bay and controlled the land link between the East and West Lochs. In 1392 it was certainly a Royal Castle, being among those granted to John Balliol by Edward I of England. In 1325 Robert the Bruce enlarged and fortified the Castle with the extensive curtain wall and drum towers, enclosing almost two acres. Surviving building accounts record that among other structures there was also; a hall, a chapel, houses, workshops, a brewhouse and outside the wall a mill and mill lade.

Tarbert Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance, mainly because of the major role which Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland played in its reinforcement and enlargement in c. 1325. The Castle is now held in the Trust for the community. Volunteers have assisted with opening up the site and improving visitor access.

Scope of Work

Tarbert Castle

Pictured: Tarbert Castle

The work involved stabilisation and consolidation of the historic fabric over three phases, one year of seasonal work over each year.

Stabilisation of dilapidated openings included a variation of techniques, including recessed masonry construction, building up with new honest materials and the introduction of stainless steel restraints.

Consolidation included; the removal of organic growth, packing and pointing with gauged hot mixes, tile repairs and lime grouting where necessary.

Capping the structure included, rough racking with stone and lime mortars and soft topping the wall heads with puddled clay and covering in indigenous turf.


[ View the full Case Study Slide Show ]

Challenges and Considerations

Tarbert Castle

Pictured: Tarbert Castle

Key challenges included the logistical problems of transporting the plant and materials to the site, a location that’s at the top of a hill with no vehicular acess and is sloped to get tracked vehicles up to the site.

The scaffold, plant and materials were delivered and collected in 900kg secured loads by a helicopter. They were taken to and from a designated landing area off site to an area away from the structure that was still on site and close to the project.

Other considerations were the precarious nature of the existing structure. The walls had structural cracks running through the masonry and the building had a history of tumbling masonry over the years that it had been left ruinous.

The scaffold was erected independently away from the structure until the wall heads could be stabilised and secured enough to allow the remaining access scaffold to be erected.

The vegetation was cut and left to die back naturally a year before the project began, this allowed the careful removal of the ivy following the full erection of the scaffold. Some areas of masonry were only being held stable by the existing ivy roots and great care was required to wedge and pack the masonry sequentially as the roots were extracted from the masonry.

During these works temporary propping, permanent supporting walls and stainless steel restraints were installed into position to stabilise the structure, whilst retaining its ruinous integrity.


[ View the full Case Study Slide Show ]

Tarbert Castle

Project

Tarbert Castle - Argyll

Area of Expertise

Castles and Country Houses

Craft Skills & Solutions

  • Masonory Consolidation Stabilisation

Case Study Slide Show

Ecclesiastical Buildings Castles and Country Houses Public Buildings Bridges and Viaducts Eco Build and New Build Historic Estates Monuments and Memorials

View More Project Case Studies


Trade Association Logos

Tarbert Castle - Argyll

Your Friends Email Address
*
Your Email Address
*
Your Name
*