The National Trust for Scotland has successfully repaired one of the most significant structures following a major collapse in 2022. The beehive-shaped, stone building known as ‘Lady Grange’s House’, is notable among the 1,200 such stone buildings scattered across the main island of Hirta. These are stone structures built without mortar and topped with turf roofs, used to store food, fuel and other essential supplies.
The damaged structure is particularly significant due to its possible connection with historical figure Rachel Chiesley, known by her title ‘Lady Grange’. Rachel was famously exiled in the 18th century by her husband; a Jacobite supporter who feared his wife would expose his sympathies to the UK government.
The major repair project sought to stabilize the structure while preserving its visual appearance and cultural significance. A timber access structure allowed specialists to carefully rebuild the damaged sections using original stonework. Archive photographs taken before the collapse were used to ensure the repairs closely matched the original construction.
The unique turf roof was re-instated using a combination of new turf, grass seed harvested on the island and turf from the roof that had come away during the collapse.
The manager for the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have successfully repaired ‘Lady Grange’s House’. When the major collapse occurred in early 2022, it quickly became apparent that this was going to be one of the most challenging conservation projects undertaken on St Kilda in more than half a century.
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