An Epic. There's no other way of putting it. An intrepid crew of Stevensons and assorted helpers went up to the middle of nowhere and put a new roof on the woodshed of our house.
The scale of the operation was huge. 2 weeks. 13 volunteers, a team that peaked at 16 people and two dogs. Nearly a ton of cement, 3 tons of sand.
The photographic record is also substantial. I have over 250 photographs and a minute of video footage in my archive, from 6 different photographers.
This web page is here to give just a little glimpse at what went on to those who weren't there..
Before the photos though, I would like to thank all of those who made this possible, and especially Douglas and Keith for coming along and working tirelessly for nothing more than a few beers in the way of reward. Thanks guys, you were stars!
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This is the house, in the 1940's before it was rennovated in the first place. It must have taken my Grandparents some real vision to see the potential in it, and some real improvisation to put the first roof on in 1946, when resources were still scarce after the war. Note the original turf roof still in place on the woodshed to the right.
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Fast forward to 2003. You'll need to scroll along to see the house, and you will notice the roof on the woodshed (to the right) looks pretty shabby.
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While we work on the project, most of us are staying in these chalets.
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The first evening is beatiful so we go down to the rocks to find some crabs.
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But the next morning the demolition crew is on site, posing before work starts.
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The first stage of the mission is to rip the old roof off. It looks decrepit, but it was surprisingly tough.
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We have a beautiful day for it though, and progress is swift one we realise how brutal we have to be!
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The gable end, on the brink of collapse for years, takes a surprising amount of effort to pull down.
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But it gives way in the end, leaving it safe to work from the top of the wall.
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The wooden A-frames have been there since the 1890's. In the first photo, they were still supporting the original turf roof.
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Work over for the day, we go for a swim. It's cold, but you don't feel it once your circulation stops.
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On the way home, we all realise we've probably caught too much sun.
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Glad we don't have to carry all our materials along this path.
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The old roof off, Sunday is a day for the beach once again.
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The girls play in the water while Robert and David just enjoy the sun.
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Robert took the girls out in the boat to find some Sea Urchins!
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Which were duly returned once they have been photographed.
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In the evening, Dan and I went out and caught about 30 Mackerel in the bay.
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Dan was thinking about taking an evening dip afterwards until he felt the temperature of the water!
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Monday morning. The girls guard a van loaded with equipment, timber and roofing sheets. Waiting for our transport.
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It arrives. This is the helicopter that will carry all the materials over to the house for us.
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David chats to the neighbours, who are too fascinated to complain about the noise.
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The house from the air, with family members and helpers watching as the helicopter approaches.
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Seeing it from up here is just amazing, putting a whole new perspective on the countryside.
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The helicopter comes in to land beside some bags filled with the old roofing material for disposal.
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I climb out, ducking (in unnecessarily exaggerated manner) underneath the terrifying blades.
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The first load of sand and cement arrives, the downdraft from the helicopter sending debris from the old roof flying!
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Keith and I run in to attach one of the bags of waste to go back.
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Lifting the roofing sheets proved difficult, and they blew about so much the pilot had to ditch them in the loch. Here the ground support crew are in the water trying to recover the rope so the helicopter can lift them out again!
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Success, and the sheets are on the way over for the second time.
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Daniel watches with interest, with his hands over his ears to protect them from the noise.
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Annabel and Emily have much more stylish (and rainbow-like) ear protectors.
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Job done, and the team at base camp pose with the helicopter crew.
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Now the hard work starts. Annabel and Emily help to prepare the walls for pointing.
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I break off old cement with a large hammer.
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Kathryn is pinned down inside by her dog.
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It's been another beautiful day, and as evening falls the view out over the summer isles is spectacular.
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Alice manages to find an inside job in a quiet corner.
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The pointing begins in earnest.
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Pointing occupies virtually the whole team, braving drizzle to keep the work going.
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Alice is unused to the climate so moves straight from her inside job to a sheltered corner.
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The back wall is braced up to allow work on a section showing signs of movement.
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Danial on cement duty, delivering yet another barrow-load which will disappear into the walls in no time.
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Keith putting some finishing touches in place.
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Burning rubbish.
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Everyone wants to help, fascinated by the flames.
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Beautiful evening, but the woodshed looks a little sorry with no roof.
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Annabel and Emily on the beach, celebrating Annabel's birthday.
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Back to work in the afternoon, pointing and starting to get planks along the top of the walls for the frames to rest on.
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An evening in the pub, even though the birthday girl is a few years shy of being allowed a drink! My dad hates photos so always pulls funny faces. Guess which one he is?!?!
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The new roof finally starts taking shape as the ridge piece goes up.
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Followed closely by the rest of the frames. The new stone gable is going up fast!
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Neil producing yet another batch of cement.
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The gable is still growing as the frame nears completion, but we can't finish the frame until the gable is done.
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So we start putting on the roofing sheets!
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It is quick work at first.
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We even manage to put in one of the skylight panels at the front.
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There is a spectacular sunset as we retire home, with only one more day on site to finish everything off.
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The last day finds me cutting sheets to size with an angle grinder.
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We make amazing progress, but everyone is exhausted and the weather has broken.
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The team pose for a final photo. Only a couple of people stay behind to finish off and lock up.
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That night we all have a beer or two. Job done in the nick of time.
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6 weeks on and Dad was in Inverness so he popped up to check all was well.
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Roof's still on and looking good, so I have no complaints!
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