Removing windows and condition survey
Thurso West Church, Caithness
2008
John Munro, Joiners, Thurso
During the stonework restoration of the tower it became necessary to quickly remove the leaded glass to effectively repair the broken stone and loose mortar. |  |
The leaded glass was firmly set into the stonework with Portland Cement. There were no "sacrificial fillets" to protect the panels from damage during the removal process. |  |
Before any windows were removed, a complete condition survey of all the glass in the church was undertaken. |  |
The stone lintels between each panel were badly broken and moving due to mortar loss. This made the glass removal even more difficult and precarious than usual. |  |
Once removed, the stonework can be properly assessed for repair. New traditional lime mortar will be used to re-install the panels. |  |
The windows were boxed on site and removed to storage until the stonework is repaired. |  |
During the condition survey, an unusual way of plumbing was noted, situating the piping through the leaded window. |  |
Thurso is the most northerly town on the Scottish mainland, in Caithness. Big, beautiful lanscapes. |  |
