The work continues inside and out in the old Schoolhouse.

Scaffolding at the front of the house

Preparing the gable end

Preparations for roof repairs and new Velux windows.

The old kitchen and scullery will become a store for equipment.

Work continues to take down the old lath and plaster from the walls in preparation for the refurbishment.  A productive meeting today between Community Council representatives, KW Contractors and Abdeenshire Council officers discussed the next steps for the project.

We have learned that the break through from the Hall into the house will require three steps as the house is lower than the hall.  The steps will be on the house side. We have asked for the opened up area to be as wide as possible to make the maximum use of floor space.  We have also asked for concertina type doors between the two areas, both for safety – particularly for playgroup use – and to allow for seperate meetings or activites to run concurrently.  The break through will be one of the last tasks in the project, allowing for activites to continue in the hall for as long as possible.

A few things have to be clarified, including whether the granite shed at the back is to be repaired and insulated, whether new flooring for the hall is to be included and also if a toilet and washbasin will be installed in the old bathroom area.

Scaffolding will be erected sometime next week, meaning the garden will be out of use for the time being.  The whole project is expected to be completed by Christmas.

This is where the breakthrough up into the hall will be

The upstairs rooms will provide storage space for user group equipment

The front door of the house will have a slabbed path leading up to it.

The old sitting room will become a meeting room.

Work party last Sunday with volunteers emptying the house ready for the contractors to start on the refurbishment work.   Thanks to everyone who took part, and to those who have given a temporary home to marquees etc.

Welcome break between work

Workmen have begun to remove all the old plaster, starting with the upstairs rooms

Stripping off the old wall

The original stonework exposed.