One of the firms involved in the repairs of Hamilton Mausoleum say their work will breathe new life into the famous landmark.
JR Scaffold Services has erected a 24-metre-high scaffold around the huge structure - and the company has shown off their progress via stunning drone footage.
Following a successful campaign from the Hamilton Advertiser and the Hamilton Mausoleum Trust – who urged the local authority to take action and stop the deterioration of the building – South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) pledged to invest thousands into repairing the iconic building.
And those in charge of the repair works told Lanarkshire Live the restoration is progressing well with the project scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Now, Paisley-based business JR Scaffold Services, one of Scotland’s largest scaffolding suppliers, has constructed a full perimeter scaffold including a circular structure around dome of the iconic building to allow for important restoration works to take place.
The company has worked on the University of Glasgow, The Hunterian Museum and Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant buildings and say the scaffolding will stand in place from now until 2022, upon completion of the planned stone restoration and lead replacement works.
The repairs aim to combat water ingress and reverse signs of wear and tear.
JR Scaffold Services worked closely with Historic Scotland to be able to erect the scaffolding structure in a way which would protect the building and its history.
John Jack from the firm told us : “We’re proud to be playing a part in the restoration of the Hamilton Mausoleum - one of the country’s most iconic buildings which holds a fascinating history.
“Over a four-week period, we built a scaffold structure around the entire perimeter of the building including the dome, along with a full-height loading bay, staircase and hoist bay.
"The scaffold will allow for important works to preserve the Hamilton Mausoleum, which has been showing signs of water ingress.
“We worked closely with Historic Scotland throughout this process to ensure that the building and its features were protected.
"Vital repair works have now begun and when completed will breathe new life into the landmark, helping to safeguard its future.”
Built in the grounds of the now-demolished Hamilton Palace, the dome-shaped building was built as a tomb and monument to Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton, nicknamed ‘El Magnifico’, but was incomplete at the time of his death in 1852.
In addition to being a popular visitor attraction the Mausoleum also provides a unique venue that in recent years has hosted modern and classical music performances, art installations and the recording of classical music specifically composed for its unique acoustics.
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