Rope access teams are inspecting the high-level masonry on the curtain walls of the iconic ‘Castle in the Sea’, on the Isle of Barra.
Specialist teams have been abseiling from the top of the curtain walls which is the only means to access and survey the exterior masonry at the medieval site, given its islet location.
The inspections follow recent works at the site which are looking to address 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 tactile inspections, which involve checking each stone by hand, will assess the effects of climate change on the castle, in combination with other factors.
Results will help to inform the ongoing programme of works at the castle.
For further information about Historic Environment Scotland’s high-level masonry inspection programme, please visit hes.scot/conservation-works.
