Limeworking at Saddell Castle

Event details

Saturday 27 July, 10am - 4pm and Sunday 28 July, 9am - 3pm

Join SPAB Scotland for this weekend event at Category A listed Saddell Castle. Under the guidance of experts, you'll learn traditional limeworking techniques and carry out real repairs on a live site, as part of a major conservation project run by the Landmark Trust. 

Richard Fraser and the team at LimeRich will be your tutors for the weekend. You will learn about hot mixing of lime mortar and harling, apply the harling and, if time allows, finish with some lime washing.  

It’s not every day you get to say you repaired a castle. Places are limited, so book yours now!

Who is it for? 

This event is perfect for owners, residents or caretakers of old buildings, as well as professionals and conservation enthusiasts who would like to gain some hands on experience at a live building site 

You do not need any prior skills or knowledge. 

You will learn

• All about lime mortar, including how to mix it 
• Harling mixes, and application methods
• How to apply lime wash 

You will need

• This will be a live site, so full PPE will be required. You must bring your own steel capped safety boots, safety glasses and work gloves, but we will supply high-vis jackets and hard hats
• Work clothes and other weather appropriate clothing, for example a sunhat and waterproofs
• Camping equipment: tent, mat, sleeping bag
• Breakfast items
• A camping stove and cooking equipment, if desired

Practicalities 

Please note that accommodation is not included in the cost of the course. 

We have reserved camping and small campervan pitches at Carradale Bay Camping Site, five miles north of Saddell Castle. Please book with them directly. This allows you to add Friday or Sunday night as well if you wish depending on your travel distances. Call 01583 431 665 or email hello@carradalebay.com.

We recommend arriving on Friday evening is recommended, due to the long journey times to reach the site. 

The cost of the course includes lunch and snacks on both days, and a BBQ on Saturday. Please indicate any dietary requirements on your booking form. 

Tutor 

Richard Fraser is a lime specialist and director of LimeRich Ltd who has worked with many historic properties and is a Member of the SPAB and the Buidling Limes Forum. 

Accessibility 

• The castle is in an exposed coastal location, so come prepared for wind, rain and sun
• There will be several lifts of scaffold to climb
• There will be a site cabin and toilets, but few other facilities on site 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email  scotland@spab.org.uk.

Photography 

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. 

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credits: Saddell Castle © Jill Tate, The Landmark Trust