Staff at Compass Building are celebrating the completion of their latest public building project having successfully handed over the external renovation of Dingwall Town Hall, an iconic building centrally located in Dingwall, the capital of Ross-shire.
Highland Council awarded the project to Compass Building in September 2022 procuring the works through the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) Public Buildings Framework (PB3) at a value of £1.4m.
The works entailed the overhaul and upgrade of all elements of the external project variously listed as including stone work, mortar repairs, roof repairs lead renewal and introduction of a batten rolled, standing seam zinc roof. Other ancillary works undertaken concurrently included the restoration and renewal of cast iron rainwater goods, lightning protection renewal and redecoration of the clock-tower. All in all the works took 60 weeks to complete.
Commenting on the sequencing and complexity of the works Contracts Manager, Gary Tuach (a native of Ross-shire) singled out the fact that “the works were undertaken in a bustling town centre location, whilst the building remained occupied by the public throughout. Matters were further compounded by the narrow streets that surround the building, mutual boundaries and extensive temporary works in the form of scaffolding that had to be constructed whilst preserving amenity and access”.
The completed building is however a testament to the capabilities that are retained in the Highlands in terms of design, traditional building skills, workmanship and material choice and selection. It is also to the Highland Council’s credit that they are investing in these historic landmark buildings within our communities and preserving them for the use and enjoyment of present day and future generations.
