Pluscarden Abbey refurbishment
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Summary
Seamlessly blending traditional techniques with modern technology.
Refurbishment works to Pluscarden Abbey have been a highly innovative and unusual venture. Investing the project budget in the local area was a priority, sourcing local materials and supply chain partners.
With a focus on teamwork, client satisfaction, and health and safety, our team has delivered a truly unique, high-quality construction solution.
We were committed to preserving the Abbey’s historical integrity and our team seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship using local resources, while also incorporating modern sustainable technology and construction methods into the building.
Scope of works:
- Specialist stone work with hand carving
- Biomass-powered underfloor heating
- Leadwork
- Roof slating
Challenges in Design and Construction Delivery
The design was completed by an architect with a long term successful association with Pluscarden Abbey. All construction details were drawn by hand, which is unusual in 2025, but our team accommodated working in this traditional way.
We provided technical advice to achieve solutions that ensured the design was developed to modern building standards. This “can-do” attitude significantly aided the design process and has produced a building solution of the highest quality.
Innovative Construction and Traditional Craftsmanship
This innovative project has made use of many traditional skills not seen in modern-day construction, combined with elements of modern sustainable technologies such as biomass-powered underfloor heating.
Some expert techniques employed to preserve the heritage of the Abbey include specialist stonework with hand carving undertaken on site, hand-cut stone, specialist rendering, leadwork, natural slate roof tiles, and intricate detailing to dormers and a faceted/curved stone stairway.
Material textures and colours, along with specialist features, were selected to blend with the existing historic buildings at the Abbey.
Sustainability and Local Resource Use
In terms of sustainability, materials have been sourced locally, and the majority of the spend has been within the Moray area. Robertson self-delivered several trades, utilising the experience and expert knowledge of some of our longest-serving employees.
Skilled Workforce and Apprenticeship Experience
Some of our long-term operatives worked on the original construction of the building. They returned to the site to pass on valuable experience in traditional craft skills to our current apprentices, including the installation of sash and case windows and shuttering on new internal stalls.
Client Satisfaction and Health & Safety Performance
Our team listened, acted professionally, took responsibility, worked as a team and succeeded, taking pride in delivering a truly unique building that the client greatly values and appreciates.
Recognising the unique nature of the Abbey, we developed our proposals and managed the construction delivery in a respectful manner. This included adjusting our programme, where we incorporated a four-day break over the Easter weekend and attended a blessing service before construction commenced.
Client satisfaction has been very high, with Brother Michael wishing to give our operational lead a score of 11 out of 10. Our Health and Safety performance was described by our client as “exemplary.”
