Taylor and Fraser is delighted to be involved in the Castle of Mey Granary restoration and redevelopment project, currently undergoing phase 2 of work. We have been working closely with The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust throughout the project, of which phase 2 began in September this year. As advocates of educating people of all ages on the career opportunities available in the construction industry, we were pleased that students from North Highland College Thurso, University of the Highlands and Islands had the chance to visit the site of the Castle of Mey, allowing them to gain insight into the trades and work involved in a large-scale project.
27 Students from the college who are currently on the Access to Construction course attended the site on 18th September. The group included a range of ages from School leavers to adults looking for a career change. Their course was tailored as a foundation/taster course of all trades associated with new and refurbishment of traditional building trades and skill. As such, the Castle of Mey phase 2 development suited the profile of their course very well.
The site visit consisted of a half-day review of both the Castle of Mey’s new build multi-purpose facility and the existing granary building, which is being converted into 10 luxury ensuite bedrooms. Fortunately, at the time of the visit there were several trades undertaking their individual duties from first fix plumbing, heating and electrical to traditional trades carrying out Caithness stone external walling to roof slating. A clear comparison was available with new building timber frame and traditional building elements clearly visible for the students to observe.
Thankfully the weather remained dry for the visit and all attendees engaged with the project. Hopefully we will see new recruits entering into our industry!
You can find out more about our work on The Castle of Mey here.