Cove Burgh Hall restoration project completed

An open doors event is being held at Cove Burgh Hall next month to mark the successful completion of a £207,000 restoration project.

Scaffolding was removed from the hall on Thursday, revealing the restored fresh face of the hall after the five-month first phase of the façade project was completed within budget.

All areas of the B-listed building are now available again for community use, including the library.

“This renovation and conservation project represents a significant achievement in the community ownership life of the hall,” said chair of directors Alison Morrison.

“It is important to note that the main contractor, Matheson, was extremely accommodating in this respect, for example, allowing access to the small hall for the real ale festival.

“This first phase has made a sound contribution to conserving the heritage and functionality of the hall into the future.

“The challenge now is to raise funds for essential subsequent phases.”

The work included:

• Replacement and improvement of corroded essential structural steelwork supporting the central facade windows.
• Replacement of stonework damaged by a long-term combination of weathering, inadequate structural support and historically poor repair.
• Replacement and improvement of essential roof lead work.
• Removal and replacement of rotten roof timbers and floor joists.
• Replacement and improvement of gutters and down pipes.
• Refurbishment of 12 central windows

Heritage and aspirations, an open doors event, will be held on Saturday January 11 from 12 noon to 4pm.

The community is invited to drop in to hear and see more about the details and achievement of the project, and future aspirations, chat with hall directors over a coffee and cake, and take an informal guided tour of the hall.

The project started on June 17 and was funded by Argyll and the Islands LEADER Programme, Historic Environment Scotland, the Robertson Trust, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and Cove Burgh Hall reserves.

The professional team was ZM Architecture, Matheson, David Narro Associates and  Stratum Stonemasons.