Landmark Trust & Fairburn Tower

Event details

Landmark Trust & Fairburn Tower
Presented by Linda Lockett (Landmark Trust) & Tom Addyman (Addyman Archaeology)

Built in 1545 for Murdo Mackenzie, a Gentleman of the Bedchamber of King James V, Fairburn Tower, near Muir of Ord in the Highlands, had been left deserted and near ruin for several hundred years. The category A listed structure is roofless, floorless and had dramatic cracks running the length of its walls which was widening at an alarming rate.

The Landmark Trust are in the process of restoring the tower and converting it to holiday accommodation .  Tom Addyman of Addyman Archaeology in Edinburgh has been researching and recording the structure and its surroundings and has made some amazing discoveries which he would like to share with SPAB members, he will take you on a virtual tour of the building and its history.  Tom will be joined by Linda Lockett, project manager for the Landmark Trust, who will explain how the building is being repaired and the conservation work which is underway to be bring the building and its history back to life.

The tower’s only chance of survival is restoration as a Landmark holiday let for four people under a long lease. The dramatic cracks will be stitched and repaired. The restoration programme will provide opportunities for craft skills to be honed and passed down to apprentices. As a holiday destination, Fairburn will bring a regular stream of visitors to enjoy the glorious countryside near Muir of Ord.

Historic Environment Scotland considers this to be one of the most significant at-risk tower houses in the country. Its unspoiled setting, unusual height, the completeness of the walls, and available information about its original form, are all exceptional. They have offered a major grant to support the project, giving Landmark the chance to secure its future.

Linda Lockett is Regional Architect for Scotland for the Landmark Trust, and a former SPAB Scholar.

Tom Addyman is a respected archaeologst and runs Addyman Archaeology. 

Together they will present an online lecture about Fairburn Tower, the challenges and solutions they found to repair the building. 

17 March 2021, 18:00 - 19:00
Live Online Lecture
£5 pp - SPAB members
£6 pp - Non-members

IT requirements: Please note that this is an online lecture and will be held via a webinar platform. You will be sent instructions on how to join the session the day before the lecture. To participate, all you need is an internet connection, and a laptop, computer or phone with the ability to play video and audio.   

AAbout SPAB Scotland
Members of the SPAB living and working in Scotland decided to form their own semi-autonomous group in 1995. Scotland has its own building traditions, architectural language and property laws, all of which are best dealt with locally. All members of the SPAB residing in Scotland are automatically members of SPAB Scotland.ccessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Image credit: Landmark Trust