WORK is continuing on the restoration of a 19th century stone and lime mortar wall in Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.
The £200,000 project is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and West Lothian Council with support from Sustrans Artroots Project, and Scotmid.
The local authority’s parks & woodland and construction services teams are working in partnership with volunteers from the Friends of Almondell & Calderwood on the project, which will the stabilisation and restoration of the wall using traditional materials and techniques.
The team said that work will continue over the coming weeks, with completion estimated for early 2021. Training opportunities will be offered to staff and volunteers interested in traditional lime mortaring methods, so as to ensure the project is carried into the future and that the wall is maintained for years to come.
Executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn, commented, “It’s fantastic to see work underway to ensure the historic wall next to the visitor centre in Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is preserved for future generations. Thanks to the Heritage Fund, Sustrans Artroots Project, Scotmid and Friends of Almondell & Calderwood for making this happen, along with dedicated officers from several council teams.
“It provides a valuable link to Almondell & Calderwood’s grand past, including the Earls of Buchan and Lord Advocate Henry Erskine who once called the estate their home before it became a country park. Once completed, a fascinating heritage trail will tell the story of Almondell & Calderwood’s history, using the wall and other significant heritage features within the country park such as the Nasmyth Bridge, Kirkhill Pillar, Camps Viaduct and Union Canal Feeder Aqueduct.
“An orchard with heritage species of traditionally trained fruit trees is also planned, helping restore the walled garden area to its original purpose.”
