Of Hearth and Home: Reconstructing an Ardnamurchan Blackhouse

Tender description

Archaeology Scotland wishes to commission a traditional skills specialist for the Real Wild West: Adopt-a-Monument (AaM) programme in west Ardnamurchan to deliver Programme 5: Of Hearth and Home: Reconstructing the Blackhouse. The awardee will guide volunteers and community members in the preservation and enhancement of two blackhouse’s at Achnaha, Ardnamurchan, by delivering training in traditional building skills. They will also work with AS, local landowners and the local community to help develop the project and explore future options for the site in the long term. The awardees will: Agree timetable of work and activity with AS, AHHA and landowners Agree on ways in which volunteers can take part in all project activities and deliver up to three two-week (c.30 days) activity programs. Work with AS and AHHA to consult with older generations of locals/long-term visitors to gather information and research relating to how the buildings would have looked and the techniques and materials used in the local vernacular tradition. Agree on access routes for both pedestrian and vehicular access. Make these routes good and functional. Consider parking arrangements for contractors and volunteers (and future tourists). Clear loose stone and debris from around the site and reinstate any surrounding walls or fences accordingly and consider drainage and particularly the main ditch between buildings. Repair existing walls, windows and doors using traditional building skills. Prepare walls for potential roofing and explore options for timber roof and thatching in accordance with the local vernacular and work with AS, AHHA and others in the community to secure funding for the work to take place. Ensure adequate H&S procedure and protocol is in place. Cost to provide safe working systems for all works, especially with regard to volunteers and the general public. Including working at height on walls and roofs to include fixed or moveable scaffold or tower systems.