Scone Palace confirms plan to restore historic arch destroyed by van driver
A historic archway at the traditional crowning place of Scottish kings is to be restored to its former glory — more than a year after it was destroyed by a workman's van.
The archway pictured immediately after the accident. Below: inspecting the damage, and a picture showing the arch in all its previous glory.
- By Kirsten Johnson
- Published in the Courier : 28.11.11
- Published online : 03.12.11 @ 11.14am
The Courier has learned that work will begin to rebuild the ''priceless'' 16th-century structure at Scone Palace in early spring.
Experts warned at the time that repairing the intricate stone monument would be akin to completing the ''world's largest jigsaw puzzle''.
The archway, which was all that remained of the approach to the Augustinian abbey, was reduced to rubble after the incident in September 2010.
The central armorial panels, of historic importance, were damaged beyond repair when it was hit by the vehicle — with one thrown more than 15 metres on to the palace lawns.
Work began immediately to sift, record and rearrange each fragment of the wreckage, which palace administrator Elspeth Bruce believes was the project's ''saving grace''.
After consulting Historic Scotland and insurance firms, the palace appointed John Addison, one of Scotland's most prominent structural engineers, to lead the restoration.
A contract went out to tender to specialist masonry and building companies earlier this year and it is hoped the name of the winning firm will be announced before Christmas.
Mrs Bruce confirmed that the Stormont family, who own the building and grounds, were keen to ensure the contract was awarded to local workers.
She said: ''We are so pleased to announce that work will go ahead next year. It has been a complicated process but, despite the warnings from outside, the family and all the staff here at the palace remained hopeful that the archway could be fixed.
''It was a beautiful piece which framed the palace, and was of real historic importance, so to lose it forever would have been devastating.''
She added: ''We have always had full confidence in the structural engineer and architects, who have a great deal of experience in the conservation field.
''The cooperation and professionalism of all the parties involved has meant that we are ahead of schedule.''
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