A unique conservation project is under way at one of Scotland’s smallest and most fascinating heritage properties the National Trust for Scotland’s Moirlanich Longhouse near Killin.
The modest, corrugated iron-roofed, cruck-framed Perthshire cottage was built in the early 19th century and was home to the Robertson family until 1968.
It gives an unrivalled insight into country living in Scotland in the 19th and early 20th century.
The longhouse boasts intact period interiors, including many layers of wallpaper that have been added over the years and provide a wealth of information about the building.
Now, expert paper conservator Helen Creasy has been contracted by the conservation charity that owns the property to repair and conserve the wallpaper where it has become detached.
Conservator Suzanne Lamb is overseeing the project for the National Trust for Scotland.
”Moirlanich Longhouse is fascinating, not least because of its long association with the Robertson family,” she said. ”Through this work, we hope to learn more about the interior design trends for small, modest properties like this over decades and possibly gain further insights into the life the Robertson family lived within these walls.”
The wallpaper work is the latest in a series of conservation projects to take place at the property. Last year, the iron roof was repaired and work to the building’s walls also took place earlier this year.
Moirlanich Longhouse has changed little since its construction and includes features such as a ‘hingin’ lum’ and box beds.
Visitors can not only get a glimpse of life in the 19th century but also discover how the longhouse has been restored and preserved.
The property manager at Moirlanich, Helen Cole, says visitors love going back in time.
”The volunteers from the Killin Heritage Society, who staff the property, often have their own personal recollections of the house which really brings a visit alive,” she said.
The Longhouse, near Killin, is open until September 30, Wednesdays and Sundays 2pm to 5pm.
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