Where it all started. August 2014 and we came across this overgrown old building on a hillside in the Scottish Borders
Long forgotten, nature was slowly reclaiming the land
In the weeds, two lions kept guard. One awake . . .
...and one, mysteriously, asleep. Why were they there?
Abandoned, the entrance gates hung open
Access doors to the crypt, originally intended to be "locked for all time"
Inside, the star chamber had an eerie green light
One angel on the east side
Another on the west side
Beautiful detail on the angels sculpted wing.
Determined to save this forgotten gem, in 2015 the Friends started working . . .
... and many summer Sundays were spent uncovering the architecture . . .
...and gradually defeating the ivy and rosebay willowherb.
After two years work, the mausoleum begins to shine on a sunny day in 2016
Architects mark indicating Peddie & Kinnear of Edinburgh
The Monteath Douglas Coat of Arms
In 2018 we finally raised enough money for the restoration of the building.
photo ©www.BorderArchaeology.co.uk
The old way in. The footpath up to the mausoleum in 2017
Thanks to landowners Lothian Estates, we now have a new road.
The restoration complete.
July 2019
©Borders Aerial Photography
A moody view on a winters day.
photo ©www.BorderArchaeology.co.uk
The mausoleum beneath a troubled sky.
photo ©Andrew Macdonald
Why not become a Friend?