LEWS CASTLE REPAIR WORK

Minor repair works to the roof of Lews Castle are scheduled to start this week. The work mainly involves re-bedding loose battlement cope stones around the parapets of the Castle and will be carried out by local stone-mason Jim Crawford, under a sub-contract to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Commercial Operations Unit

The work to the Grade A Listed Building is being carried out to the satisfaction of Historic Scotland. Access to the parapets and battlements will be from a hydraulic platform and scaffolding.

Murdo Murray, the Comhairle's Director of Technical Services, commented:

"This is a very limited programme of repair work and is intended to secure cope stones that could pose a risk to public safety. We also intend to carry out maintenance work to the permanent access ladders on the Castle roof as these are essential to allow for inspection and maintenance of parts of the Castle roof."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Lews Castle is owned by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and has been unoccupied for over 6 years. Last year the Comhairle re-roofed the boiler room and installed new oil storage tanks to ensure that the building remains heated.

For information contact:

Nigel Scott, Executive Office - 01851 709389
Campbell MacKenzie, Technical Services - 01851 709411

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk