It not just about the right mix of Lime. It not just about the skill of the workmen. At this time of year, protection and after care are critical.

I am always surprised at how at just well traditional buildings manage to cope with distress. Long after modern construction would have given up, traditional materials hang in there.

This weeks big reveal. A small project on the outskirts of Inverness with beautifully repointed stonework.

Our latest project is a town centre tenement building.  As soon as we are approached to survey one of these buildings, one of our fist concerns is surveying the rear of the property. These areas are difficult to access, maintenance is often neglected and they invariably in poor condition.

Work started on conservation work at St Johns Chapel on the Black Isle, removing the vegetation to reveal the enclosure walls, and are raking out the loose mortar ready for repair work to begin.

The question of which lime mortar mix to use has been the “hot” topic of the week.

High level surveys are important and need to be carried out on a regular basis, particularly if you have a city centre property.