Open day to mark revamp’s success

THE 19th-century homes of Caithness fishermen at Berriedale have been saved thanks to an extensive restoration project.

The row of cottages has been restored using traditional craft skills and materials and is now open for guests to stay, providing an income for future maintenance.

To celebrate the completion of the Landmark Trust project, a free public open day is being held on Sunday, September 9, between 10am and 4pm.

The cottages had stood derelict since the 1950s, their survival threatened by the weather and sea until Landmark took them on in 2008.

The Landmark Trust – a building preservation charity – has been rescuing humble buildings such as these since its formation in 1965, believing they give an important glimpse into the lives of ordinary people.

Katherine Oakes, of the Landmark Trust, said: "These cottages tell the story of a past way of life, one that deserves to be remembered.

"Now, thanks to many generous donors, we have been able to give them a new future – one that will allow many hundreds of people to enjoy the buildings and local area while at the same time supporting their future maintenance."

Fishing at Berriedale was developed by Sir John Sinclair around 1800 as an alternative livelihood for crofters from the Highlands, who were moved to the coast during the Clearances.

Along the coast men set sail in boats known as "fifies" while women gutted fish at troughs on the shore and packed them in ice. At Berriedale, both herring and salmon were landed.

Work started on the cottages in 2010 and the project has cost £600,000, funded by donations.

Work included making the cottages weather tight, uncovering and recording the original Caithness stone beneath a modern concrete floor and repairing a cobbled sluice area at the north end of the cottages which may once have been used for gutting fish.

The footbridge across the Berriedale Water also required repair and this will remain the main access to the cottages.

The cottages will be let for self-catering holidays with one cottage sleeping two and the other six.

The rental income generated will support the buildings’ ongoing maintenance.

The Landmark Trust cares for 18 other buildings in Scotland. To find out more visit www.landmarktrust.org.uk