Well Court - The Conservation Challenge

The Well Court project is being directed by Bob Heath, a conservation accredited architect with a wealth of experience in restoring Edinburgh's historic buildings.

In the past repair work has been carried out in a piecemeal manner, with inappropriate cement repairs to the stonework and concrete covering the courtyard and drying green. Fortunately a match for the distinctive red sandstone dressings has been found in a quarry in Dumfriesshire. The quarry was re-opened in 1980 by Bob Heath, to repair the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.  The main stonework is from the long-closed Hailes quarry, however matching second hand stone has been sourced for the works.

The handmade Rosemary roof tiles are being replicated by a Doncaster firm.  Original paintwork is still evident on the stair windows and this will be analysed to identify the correct colour scheme for the building.

“The philosophy is for minimal repairs, based on need, and carried out on a like-for-like basis.  However where original features are missing they will be replaced, such as window astragals, window paint, and cast iron railings. The general hard landscaping is to be upgraded from concrete to sandstone paving and setts - the intention of the architect Sydney Mitchell.”
Bob Heath, Architect