A smaller yet just as important project as Principle Contractor, which includes isolated roof repairs, stone indenting and repointing and joinery repair with decoration.
Nestled in the heart of Mauchline, Burns House Museum stands as a testament to 18th-century Scottish architecture. This Category B listed building, where Robert Burns and Jean Armour began their married life in 1788, showcases traditional masonry techniques characteristic of the period.
The structure is primarily constructed from locally sourced sandstone, a material abundant in the Ayrshire region. The walls exhibit a combination of coursed rubble and ashlar masonry. The rough-hewn rubble forms the bulk of the building’s mass, providing structural integrity, while finely dressed ashlar stones are used for decorative elements such as window surrounds and corner quoins, adding aesthetic appeal.
Over the centuries, the building has undergone several restorations to preserve its historical character. In the early 20th century, Charles Cowie, a Glasgow merchant, rescued the deteriorating property, leading to its renovation into a museum and accommodation for the elderly. Further restoration efforts in the mid-20th century ensured the building’s continued preservation, allowing it to reopen as a museum in 1969. Today, the museum houses exhibits related to Robert Burns’s life and works, as well as displays on Mauchline’s local industries, including curling stones and Mauchline Box Ware .
The masonry of Burns House Museum not only reflects the architectural practices of 18th-century Scotland but also serves as a physical link to the past, connecting visitors to the early life of one of Scotland’s most renowned poets.