MAAC-Studio

The sweeping picturesque curve of Cromarty Harbour, designed by the engineer John Smeaton and completed in 1785, is special on many counts.

It not only looks beautiful, it shaped the development of the town, and it shaped the development of engineering.

Smeaton was a pioneering engineer, especially in the development of lime mixes.

We are on site with taking samples for analysis to inform future conservation works.

I wonder what they will tell us.?

Research by Historic England has shown that interaction with heritage or the historic environment can be a positive factor in supporting individual and community wellbeing. Did you realise that your heritage restoration or regeneration project had that potential? Join us at Bramley Baths in Leeds next month for our day conference Heritage for Good: Putting Wellbeing at the Heart of Restoration Projects to find out more. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/673081885037?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Power and The Passion : The Architecture of Old St Peters Kirk, Thurso - An illustrated talk by Calum Maclean, this Saturday 16th September at 2.30pm at St Peter & the Holy Rood, Thurso as part of Doors Open Days. All are welcome.

The talk will explore the architecture of Old St Peters Kirk as an instrument of power, as the Scottish and Norse Kingdoms wrestled for control of Caithness in the early medieval period. The design reveals the close links between architectural developments in Caithness and Orkney, including St Magnus Cathedral, which influenced the Old St Peter’s Kirk. The talk will then explore the Gothic Revival in the Victorian period, taking a closer look at St Peter and The Holy Rood Church. It will discuss how the architect Alexander Ross studied the origins of early Scottish Architecture, revealing its links with the medieval church.

Old St Peter's Kirk Preservation Association

The Power and The Passion : The Architecture of Old St Peters Kirk, Thurso
An illustrated talk by Calum Maclean.

The talk will explore the architecture of Old St Peters Kirk as an instrument of power, as the Scottish and Norse Kingdoms wrestled for control of Caithness in the early medieval period. The design reveals the close links between architectural developments in Caithness and Orkney, including St Magnus Cathedral, which influenced the Old St Peter’s Kirk. The talk will then explore the Gothic Revival in the Victorian period, taking a closer look at St Peter and The Holy Rood Church. It will discuss how the architect Alexander Ross studied the origins of early Scottish Architecture, revealing its links with the medieval church.

'Innovation Versus Risk' is the our latest blog post on the MAAC-Studio website, inspired by the recent and ongoing news about construction techniques and materials..

Construction is frequently characterised as slow, dirty and expensive. It is definitely not considered High Tech. It seems everyone views as a problem that needs to be fixed, in order to bring construction into the 20th century. Designers are encouraged to develop creative solutions that will overcome these obstacles. New materials and construction methods are developed that will be stronger, lighter, more energy efficient, quicker and cheaper to produce.

https://www.maac-studio.com/architects/index.php/blog-style-1/107-news-events/380-innovation-versus-risk



Inverness City Heritage Trust
Roz Artis

Innovation versus Risk Construction is frequently characterised as slow, dirty and expensive. It is definitely not considered High Tech. It seems everyone views as a problem that

We are pleased to announce the details of an upcoming illustrated talk by Calum Maclean of MAAC-Studio as part of Doors Open Days on Saturday 16th September 2023 at St Peter & the Holy Rood, Thurso.

The Power and The Passion : The Architecture of Old St Peters Kirk, and St Peter & the Holy Rood, Thurso.

The talk will explore the architecture of Old St Peters Kirk as an instrument of power, as the Scottish and Norse Kingdoms wrestled for control of Caithness in the early medieval period. The design reveals the close links between architectural developments in Caithness and Orkney, including St Magnus Cathedral, which influenced the Old St Peter’s Kirk.

The talk will then explore the Gothic Revival in the Victorian period, taking a closer look at St Peter and The Holy Rood Church. It will discuss how the architect Alexander Ross studied the origins of early Scottish Architecture, revealing its links with the medieval church.

All are welcome and it's free to attend.

Many thanks to Old St Peter's Kirk Preservation Association and St Peter's and The Holy Rood for their help with this event.



Alexander Ross Architect

New opportunity to join the team.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Management Assistant to join our team based in our Inverness Office at WASPS Studios, Stephen's St, Inverness, IV2 3JP.

We are looking for someone to help deliver projects in the heritage, community, social enterprise and creative industry sector. You will be front of house, communicating clients and a wide range of external organisations.

Ideally, candidates should have at least 2 years experience working for an organisation within the arts, architecture or property sectors, however previous experience within other sectors may be relevant and transferable.

Hours and salary are negotiable but will be dependent on experience.
Find out more on our website using the link below.

To apply for this post, please contact us by email, attaching a copy of your CV. [email protected].

New opportunity to join the team We have a vacancy for a Management Assistant to help our team based in our Inverness Office at WASPS Studios, Stephen's St, Inverness, IV2 3JP.

Happy Birthday Alexander Ross. Born 9th July, 1834, he left a legacy of wonderful buildings in Inverness and throughout the Highlands, giving us a beautiful city that attracts thousands of visitors every year. One of his most celebrated works is the Cathedral of St Andrew on Ardross Terrace (also designed by Ross).

Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St. Andrew
Inverness Guide
Visit Inverness Loch Ness

Stairway to Heaven...
The inside of the medieval tower of Old St Peter’s Kirk in Thurso, with the circular stone stair that is evocative of the mystery and plotting that took place in the laird’s loft. What a great place to survey!

Thank you to Old St Peter's Kirk Preservation Association for your help on the day.

The Signet Library in Edinburgh designed by William Stark and built in 1822. The quiet serenity of the space and the soft light that washes over the columns is a delight.

The circles of life.
Nature bursting into life on a recent survey. Demonstrating that timber is one of our most environmentally friendly products.

A delightful, but challenging survey in Glenmoriston. The planting is fabulous, but how will I take my measurements?

The Solution to Your Planning Woes

Our planning system has many critics and is frequently seen as barrier to development, by both big business and private homeowners. It is blamed for adding costs, delays and even stopping development altogether. The press, politicians and businesses selling UPVC windows and solar panels like to perpetuate a myth that planning is a problem. If we just simplified, or got rid of planning restrictions, the world would be much better, and we could solve the climate crisis.

With a catchy title, “Retrofit Rebels”, the Sunday Time gave a platform to homeowners who call for a “common sense” approach, having been prevented from making changes to their property, blaming the planners for the cold and damp conditions of their properties. The Scottish Government is now consulting on the removal of planning constraints for historic and listed properties.

Are these complaints really justified?
Read our latest blog post which explores this weighty topic:


Scottish Civic Trust

The Solution to Your Planning Woes Our planning system has many critics and is frequently seen as barrier to development, by both big business and private homeowners. It is blamed for adding

An upcoming free online event on 27th June looking at guidance for communities looking at future uses for church buildings from the teams at Historic Churches Scotland Heritage Trust Network Development Trusts Association Scotland, see link below to book your place.

With c.400 churches set to close in Scotland by 2025 we've heard from many communities that are considering buying these special buildings.

The lovely folks at Historic Churches Scotland, Heritage Trust Network (Scotland) and Development Trusts Association Scotland have a FREE online event coming up at the end of the month that explores the various options available to communities thinking about this.

Find out more and book here 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/your-church-your-community-tickets-656752242637

Quality and sleek design, it's all in the name!

New Mac Studio Pre-orders now open. A true powerhouse.�
Mac Studio delivers exceptional power with the M2 Max chip or the boundary-breaking M2 Ultra chip. T&Cs apply. Pre-order now: https://bit.ly/3quChho

Sunshine filled travels around Nairnshire yesterday for site visits, including an appointment at Rait Castle with Buildings Archaeology Ltd. A stunning location jampacked with history!

If you go up in the Roof Today…...are you sure of a big surprise?

Attic spaces can tell you a lot about a building. They tend to be the forgotten parts of a building awkward to access and move around in. Read our latest blog post inspired by a recent roof survey.

Up In The Roof Attic spaces can tell you a lot about a building. They tend to be the forgotten parts of a building awkward to access and move around in. They often reveal

If these walls could talk…
May 19, 2023, marks 98 years since the death of Alexander Ross, who is one of the Highland’s most celebrated architects and here at MAAC Studio we consider ourselves fortunate enough to have our practice based within one of the most iconic examples of his work.

Having opened its doors as the home to Inverness Royal Academy in 1895, this building was designed by Alexander Ross alongside his partner Robert John Macbeth as part of the Ross & Macbeth practice. Serving the city as Inverness Royal Academy until 1976, the building then went on to become Midmills College and much more recently, after an extensive programme of works, the building is now the home to WASPS Inverness Creative Academy,a hub and working accommodation for artists, makers, creative industries, social enterprises and charities.

It is estimated that Alexander Ross designed over 650 buildings during his career and during the Victorian period Ross was responsible for designing many of our most important streets and buildings in Inverness including Inverness Cathedral. You simply need to take a wander through the city and down by the riverside, cast your eyes upwards and you will be amazed how many beautifully crafted Alexander Ross buildings you will be able to spot.

Calum Maclean of MAAC Studio is passionate about Alexander Ross’ work and legacy and in 2020 gave an online illustrated talk which explored the building’s site, proportions and stunning exterior stonework and also focused on the architectural practice of Ross & Macbeth in Inverness. This talk coincided with the launch of Calum’s publication ‘The Architecture of Inverness’.

Want to find out more? Click on the link to watch a recording of the talk on the WASPS website: www.waspsstudios.org.uk/project/inverness/talks/

Architecture of Inverness:
www.invernessarchitecture.com/

MAAC Studio - Conservation Architects:
www.maac-studio.com/

Important find at Balmacara Mill.

Great to be working with AOC Archaeology Group and contractor Caleb Moore on this amazing project.

Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland
SPAB Scotland
Friends of The Balmacara Old Mill Hall

You never know what you are going to find! Heritage and Archaeology at Balmacara Mill reveals the historic mill lade, once thought to have been lost.

Looking after a building is certainly no easy task. This networking event has been organised to support those who are looking at taking on a building or who already own/manage a building to provide guidance, tips and information on what support is available.

Our speakers include; MAAC Studio, Sarah Pearce (Heritage Trust Network), and Development Trusts Association Scotland.

Book a spot for this online event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/restoring-and-running-historic-buildings-tickets-517299856797

We are recruiting MAAC Studio Ltd is an organisation that provides expertise in the conservation and restoration historic buildings and managing the delivery of repair projects with specialist craftsmen. We have a vacancy for a Project Officer / Management Assistant to help our project team based in our Inverness Off...

Work often takes me to the parts of buildings that others would prefer to ignore. Some of the things I see see are annoying and frustrating.!

Fit and Forget ! “Fit and forget” was the marketing mantra of the construction product reps. Like all good marketing spin, there is a grain of truth in there, to get you hooked and this is supplemented by a whole load of hokum, green wash and nonsense. The truth is – do it right first time and avoid the pain o...

New gates erected at St Johns Chapel

The chapel and grounds are located on the Black Isle and date back to the 15th Century. They are also the burial grounds of the Fraser Mackenzies. The design for the gates draws on the gothic detailing of the chapel, with the incorporation of strawberry leaves which are symbolic of the Fraser-Mackenzies of Allangrange.

The gates were made by
Two Ravens Forge

Museums and Heritage Highland

This week we are among the giants of the renaissance in Florence…