Interaction between the natural environment and the built environment have become key to saving Dunans’ historic castle and bridge. Efforts to deal with climate issues led to the recent replanting of the property’s native woodlands, primarily oak and birch, which disappeared hundreds of years ago. Sale of the commercial crop of Sitka spruce, along with carbon credits and credits for replanting native species, brought funds to finish work on the bridge AND for future preservation efforts on the castle.

This is not just the creation of any woodland, but the creation of a new temperate rainforest, essential to the ecology of the area – and the world. It is an internationally important environment that only exists in a few places on earth.

History of the site has been based on the work of cartographers. On a map in 1590, they noted a property called Dounens. This location became known as Dunans, and beginning around 1725, served as home to the Fletcher clan for over 200 years. Architect Andrew Kerr transformed the Dunans large manor house into a mock castle in 1864. Sadly, this unique and dramatic baronial house was largely destroyed by fire in 2001, leaving only the pre-Victorian west wing intact.

Even more significant than the “castle” is the A-listed Dunans Bridge, designed and built by Thomas Telford in 1815. Although the bridge is similar to others constructed by Telford, the three arches, gargoyles and eight hexagonal piers, as well as its sheer height of 16 meters (52 feet), make it unique and of national importance.

AiP jammers have worked for six years to repair and conserve the bridge walls and domes along the roadway and complete repointing of the two outside arches.

You’ll work with our very talented instructor, Eland Stuart, learning the art of repointing with lime mortar and using your skills to complete conservation work. The goal in April is to complete repair and repointing of the central arch.

This will further the plan to bring the castle back for public use, with community event spaces on the ground floor and self-catering apartments on the upper floors to provide a sustainable future.

Repointing work will be on scaffolding under the bridge arch, accessed by ladders.