Addagrip approved contractor Resarf Flooring Ltd were contacted by Historic Environment Scotland who were looking for a suitable surfacing option to renovate the existing paved pathways at the magnificently situated Urquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness.
Urquhart Castle, also referred to as the jewel of Loch Ness is an important historic site in Scotland, with over 1000 years of important Scottish history unfolding there. A £300,000 renovation project was planned for the castle, including the requirement to upgrade the existing pathways and viewing area with non-slip, decorative surfacing. Historic Environment Scotland who were funding the renovation was looking for a hard wearing surfacing that would be low maintenance, offer good slip resistance and be sympathetic to the historic rural setting.
Following discussion with Resarf Flooring Ltd, Resin Bonded Addastone was selected for its heritage look, giving the appearance of loose gravel without the maintenance issues. A 1-3mm Autumn Gold blend was chosen to brighten up the pathways and provide a hard wearing non-slip surface. For the viewing area, a no-dig patented Terrabase Rustic Resin Bound system was used to create a smooth, low maintenance porous surface. A 6-10mm Rustic Tweed aggregate blend was selected to complement the Autumn Gold pathways.
Resarf Flooring Ltd was appointed by main contractor MacKenzie Construction to install 1300m2 of Addastone Resin Bonded surfacing to the pathways and a further 175m2 of Terrabase Rustic Tweed Resin Bound surfacing for the castle viewing area. Due to location of the Castle and restrictive access to the grounds, getting the material to the site was a challenge. The only way to overcome this was to use a helicopter to airlift the material into the grounds and then barrow to the areas being surfaced. The image of the Addagrip delivery suspended from the helicopter over Loch Ness was quite a sight!
Most of the works were completed in time for the Easter weekend, however due to cold and wet weather conditions the final elements were finished after the busy Easter schedule when the castle can attract as many as 500 visitors per day.
The result is aesthetically pleasing pathways offering improved access for visitors throughout the year.
Client: Historic Environment Scotland
Main Contractor: MacKenzie Construction Ltd
Supplier: Addagrip
Grantex aggregates used in blends: Autumn Gold 1-3mm