Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that essential conservation work has begun at Kisimul Castle, Barra, with the aim of addressing concerns related to the concrete and its reinforcement bars, which shifted during the pouring process when the castle underwent a major restoration in the 20th century.
The coastal location of the site has caused moisture and salt to corrode the steel reinforcement bars, which were set too close to the concrete faces. Over time, concrete slabs have become cracked and weakened, and it has been found that concrete covers in other areas are not thick enough to provide long-term protection.
Helicopter deliveries have transported heavy equipment and materials to the site, allowing specialist teams to begin introducing new support systems for the concrete.
Head of North Region at HES, Jamie McPherson, said:
“We know the significance of Kisimul Castle to the community who are keen to see increased access to the site. It has faced some complex conservation challenges, some of which are historic and have been compounded by factors including climate change. We’re pleased to be able to begin these works which will allow us to facilitate further work and will help to achieve the longer-term goal of reopening the castle to the local community and visitors.”
HES stated that the initial phases of these reinforcement works will also enable safe access for high-level masonry inspection teams. These teams will conduct tactile surveys to evaluate the condition of the masonry at the castle.
This inspection program was set up to assess the impact of climate change and other factors on some of HES’s properties under care. The results from the inspection will provide valuable information for the ongoing works at the castle.
Built in the 15th century, Kisimul Castle was the seat of the Macneils of Barra and was originally a three-storey tower house, in which the clan chief lived. A curtain wall fringed the small rock on which Kisimul stood and enclosed the small courtyard with its ancillary buildings, including a feasting hall, chapel, tanist’s (heir’s) house and gokman’s (watchman’s) house.
Kisimul was abandoned in the early 18th century and was badly damaged by fire in 1795. During the herring boom, stone was removed from the site for ballast and much of the curtain wall and other buildings were pulled down. Restoration work began in the late 1930s and was completed in the early 1970s. The castle passed into state care in 2000.
