Castle Cluggy

OCHTERTYRE MAUSOLEUM

Keith Murray-Hetherington

Added on 09 November 2025

The Trustees of the Castle Cluggy Charitable Trust felt that we've done enough on Castle Cluggy for the present and agreed to turn their attention to the nearby Ochtertyre mausoleum by commissioning a full survey to determine the extent of any necessary repairs. The architect's condition survey report; drawings; and photographic survey documentation includes the following:-

Section 1)   Introductory Notes;
Section 2)   General Description of Ochtertyre Mausoleum;
Section 3)   Architectural Condition Assessment and Recommendations (including Summary of Architectural Condition, Recommendations for immediate works to be carried out, and Recommendations for medium-term action within the next three years;
Appendix A:  Annotated Architectural Survey Drawings;
Appendix B:  Structural Survey Report and Recommendations;
Appendix C:  Ground Level Photographic Survey Images;
Appendix D:  High Level Drone Photographic Survey Images.
 
For the next stage of the project, the architect can assist with concept plan drawings to show the extent of the proposed works to be carried out, and he has provided a fee proposal for these next stages, but the trustees will need to discuss the extent of works (if any) they might like to consider once they have had a chance to read the report.

SUMMARY:  Generally, the building is in a satisfactory condition. There is no sign of movement, subsidence or distress to the walls, nor are there any signs of bulging which would indicate progressive or ongoing failure. The roof structure, this being of brick arch, appears to have retained its shape, with no sign of flattening which would be indicative of failure. The roof's inner curve or underside of an arch was very damp and there was significant mortar loss and staining. It is suggested that some immediate actions should be taken, say within the next 12 months, e.g. strip all vegetation from the building, including the roof, and treat the surfaces with a suitable herbicide; install a new waterproofing roof covering, this to suit the requirements of the historical listing. Medium term action, say within the next 3 years, would see suitable windows that match the requirements and sensitivities of the historical listing installed to finally make the mausoleum wind and watertight; slab stone lifted and the underlying bearing strata either removed or compacted and/or new, suitably graded and crushed rock be brought in and compacted.