Giant crane will help restore part of historic skyline in Inverness as new roof is put in place at former Craig Dunain hospital
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A 150-ton crane will be used to lift a new roof into place at a tower that formed part of the former Craig Dunain psychiatric hospital in Inverness.
Weather permitting, the crane will hoist a prefabricated 20-ton steel and slate roof into place at the building that is now called Great Glen Hall and is part of the Westercraigs housing development by Robertson Homes.
The tower roofs have been missing since 2007 when the building was badly damaged by fire, but now the 150 year-old silhouette at the western end of the city will be restored. The first tower roof was lifted into place almost a year ago.
Robertson Homes have been involved with detailed planning operations for a decade, culminating in a £13 million restoration of the historic buildings into a range of private homes and apartments at Great Glen Hall.
Jim Smith, contracts manager at Robertson Homes said: “The extent of research and planning that has gone into Great Glen Hall is immeasurable. It was a labour of love.
“From working out the best ways to clean the original stone and to refurbish the buildings, while retaining their full character and meeting modern building regulations, we have employed a lot of expert advice. The result however is fully
contemporary homes in a location and buildings that are of unique quality."
He added that restoring the two towers to their former glory was one of their greatest challenges but Metalwork UK in Tain twice rose to the challenge by designing prefabricated steel and slated structures to the original design.
Other contemporary technology to restore the buildings of Great Glen Hall, included a specialist hot wash of the walls at around 150 degrees which restored the beautiful colour of the stone without damaging it.
The first residents are already living in Great Glen Hall where a selection of apartments, townhouses and bungalows, opened 18 months ago and are already 50% sold.
Regional sales manager, Jacqui McPherson said: “Buyers love the outlook and the solidity of homes at Great Glen Hall and our designers have worked hard to marry unique features into the fabric of contemporary life. Each home is unique.”
Prices start from £150,000 and further information is available at www.robertsonhomes.co.uk
