Conservation and Heritage

Our heritage professionals offer specialist advice and expertise to both public- and private-sector clients undertaking historic building conservation and restoration works.

Detailing of neo-gothic chimneys and stepped gable at Winton Castle, East Lothian. The chimneys and detail of stepped gable are in sandstone with render on the gable. The Chimneys have been cleaned and restored with new render on the gable using conservation practices and materials.

We help our clients to achieve their goals of repairing, renovating, repurposing, extending and otherwise improving historic and listed buildings, as they bring them up to modern functional and environmental standards.

Our experts understand the many issues involved in carrying out elaborate building conservation and refurbishment projects, which require interaction and coordination among numerous stakeholders, including the client, specialist consultants, statutory heritage bodies and external funders.

With our skills and experience, clients are able to proceed with confidence in a complex regulatory environment.

Key Contacts
Alan Brown Director
Ged Gowans Director
Works at Blair Castle, Perthsire, Scotland. Scaffoding on the upper storeys and roof of one section of the building to provide access for conservation and repair works on this listed building.

Contract, funding and market expertise

We are conversant with the many different contracts and procurement routes in use in this sector, including the delivery of publicly funded projects through organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland. We can also advise clients on seeking finance from bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In recent years, we have accumulated extensive market information relating to historic building restoration. This comprehensive database of up-to-date costs, contractors and specialists means we can obtain significant financial and programme advantages for our clients.

Inside the newly refurbished Greyfriars Charteris Centre in Edinburgh. Original features and details have been conserved and repaired an new, contemporary additions have been made - shown is a new timber staircase connecting the upper space in the old church with a lower, flexible and modernised space. Timber is extensively used throughout and the photograph shows both levels of the building.
Repairs to a crow-stepped gable on a listed building in Scotland. Traditional render is removed to be replaced. Sandstone detailing of the gable is retained.

Condition surveys and repairs

We have substantial experience in the provision of condition surveys and the specification of traditional and sympathetic repairs, remedial works, and maintenance and life-cycle replacements. This includes roofing and leadwork, chimneys and stonework, lime mortar and lime render systems and repairs, casement windows, flues, and lath and plaster repairs.

Inside a refurbished listed building on Princes St Edinburgh. Exposed stone work and ducting is contrasted with cornicing and panelling. The space has been restored to be used as office accommodation. Through the window, a view to Edinburgh Castle.
The phased internal refurbishment of a listed building provided a series of challenges which Thomson Gray helped steer through whilst maintaining control of cost and protecting the interest of Changeworks. We are delighted with the final outcome.
Graeme Farmer
Finance & Resources Director, Changeworks