The end of May 2024 marks the 25th anniversary for Carpenter Oak in Scotland. The yard there, next to the Loch of Lintrathen, has seen some incredible projects built by very talented carpenters.
The projects that propelled the establishment of the yard
Our first major project in Scotland, before we had established the yard there, was to rebuild the hammerbeam roof of the Great Hall at Stirling Castle. This project involved handcrafting and erecting 1328 pieces of timber to restore the roof to its impressive 500-year-old self.
This project received acclaim and a lot of coverage in Scotland – it gave oak framing and what could be done with it great exposure, leading to the realisation that there was a lot of interest and appetite for oak framing in Scotland and the north of England.
Within 2 years of the Stirling Castle project, the new yard, by the Loch of Lintrathen in Angus, had been set up, and another impressive project helped to put Carpenter Oak in Scotland on the map. The team in Scotland raised the frames for 4 green oak ‘pods’, to house 36 inhabitants on the remote island of Taransay, in the Outer Hebrides, for the BBC Castaway series in 2000.
Images: Stirling Castle’s restored hammerbeam roof (left and centre), 2 of the green oak pods for the BBC Castaway series (right).
Over 500 incredible projects built
Since then the team have continued to excel, with a huge variety of projects completed. With over 500 projects built and employing more than 100 people over the years, the frames they have raised show the level of skill and expertise that is the Carpenter Oak trademark.
These are just some of the incredible projects the team in Scotland has been involved with.
Residential projects
These three homes designed by Roderick James Architects – A sweeping curved house, and two ‘evolution’ houses Tigh Na Mara and Tigh Darach which are designed as affordable timber framed houses that can be easily adapted.
An eco-home on the edge of a loch, built on a rocky, sloping shoreline with a green oak bridge, designed by Helen Lucas Architects.
An exceptional boathouse with cruck-blade air-dried oak trusses on the shores of Loch Ness.
A complete renovation of a listed country manor added a contemporary Douglas-fir framed wing.
Another modern addition to an older building, this time a glass living room extension with a partially-kiln dried Douglas fir and concealed steel connections with an innovative glazing system.
Non-residential projects
BBC ballista project (below left) – a full scale working Roman ballista was the first to be built for at least two thousand years for a 2002 BBC and Discovery Channel production!
Maggie’s Centre (below centre) – a RIBA award-winning uplifting and inspiring building that provides non-residential care for cancer patients.
David Douglas Pavilion (below right) – built to honour the world famous 19th century botanist, the pavilion has a striking roof line that echoes the shape of a Douglas fir seed. It won a Wood Award in 2003.
Loch Lomond National Park HQ (below left) – with all timber sourced from Scotland the new HQ for the National Park was built in 2008 and was at the time the largest green timber frame building in the UK. It won the RIBA award in 2009.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (below centre) – an award-winning new museum built in the famous poet’s birthplace, using locally sourced Douglas fir timber to create a fitting building.
Rosslyn Chapel (below right) – a new and innovative visitor centre was built, with monolithic green oak posts that bear the criss cross roof trusses.
Netflix trebuchet (below left) – the production ‘Outlaw King’ drew Hollywood to Scotland and required a full-scale replica trebuchet.
Arden, Loch Lomond (below middle and right) – Set within the National Park meant tight restrictions on this luxurious oak framed accommodation.
Supporting our French carpenter cousins
Over the past 25 years Carpenter Oak Scotland has also hosted 23 Compagnons, where they have joined us as part of their training placements. These talented individuals come to work with us, gaining hands-on experience and honing their craft under the guidance of our skilled team.
The tradition of Compagnons du Devoir is a prestigious and centuries-old French apprenticeship system that emphasises the mastery of various crafts through rigorous training, mentorship, and travel; journeying across different regions to work with master craftsmen.
It’s an honour to contribute to their journey and to share in the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and continue this tradition even with much more complicated procedures in a post-Brexit world!
Carpenter Oak in Scotland – many more projects to build
Our dedicated team in Scotland are excited for the next 25+ years at their lovely loch-side base. They continue to craft and raise beautiful frames throughout the region, from oak-framed cafes at well-known castles for businesses who want something special, to homes and extensions for clients who are after their own stunning timber framed space.
If you’re planning a timber framed project in Scotland or northern England please get in touch with our team in Scotland who are always available for a chat.
