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Camas Roof Project 2004

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!

2004-08-13_Camas_Roof_Project_0001.jpg 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.
2003-07-24_Camas_0034.jpg 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.
2004-08-13_Camas_Roof_Project_0003_DC.jpg While we work on the project, most of us are staying in these chalets.
2004-08-13_Camas_Roof_Project_0005_DC.jpg The first evening is beatiful so we go down to the rocks to find some crabs.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0000_DS.jpg But the next morning the demolition crew is on site, posing before work starts.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0003_AMS.jpg The first stage of the mission is to rip the old roof off. It looks decrepit, but it was surprisingly tough.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0004_AMS.jpg We have a beautiful day for it though, and progress is swift one we realise how brutal we have to be!
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0005_DS.jpg The gable end, on the brink of collapse for years, takes a surprising amount of effort to pull down.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0006_DS.jpg But it gives way in the end, leaving it safe to work from the top of the wall.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0011_DS.jpg The wooden A-frames have been there since the 1890's. In the first photo, they were still supporting the original turf roof.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0016_AMS.jpg Work over for the day, we go for a swim. It's cold, but you don't feel it once your circulation stops.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0018_DC.jpg On the way home, we all realise we've probably caught too much sun.
2004-08-14_Camas_Roof_Project_0022.jpg Glad we don't have to carry all our materials along this path.
2004-08-15_Camas_Roof_Project_0001.jpg The old roof off, Sunday is a day for the beach once again.
2004-08-15_Camas_Roof_Project_0005.jpg The girls play in the water while Robert and David just enjoy the sun.
2004-08-15_Camas_Roof_Project_0008_AMS.jpg Robert took the girls out in the boat to find some Sea Urchins!
2004-08-15_Camas_Roof_Project_0012_DC.jpg Which were duly returned once they have been photographed.
2004-08-15_Camas_Roof_Project_0013.jpg In the evening, Dan and I went out and caught about 30 Mackerel in the bay.
2004-08-15_Camas_Roof_Project_0014.jpg Dan was thinking about taking an evening dip afterwards until he felt the temperature of the water!
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0004_AMS.jpg Monday morning. The girls guard a van loaded with equipment, timber and roofing sheets. Waiting for our transport.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0008.jpg It arrives. This is the helicopter that will carry all the materials over to the house for us.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0014_B.jpg David chats to the neighbours, who are too fascinated to complain about the noise.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0021.jpg The house from the air, with family members and helpers watching as the helicopter approaches.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0022.jpg Seeing it from up here is just amazing, putting a whole new perspective on the countryside.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0025_NS.jpg The helicopter comes in to land beside some bags filled with the old roofing material for disposal.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0028_NS.jpg I climb out, ducking (in unnecessarily exaggerated manner) underneath the terrifying blades.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0040_NS.jpg The first load of sand and cement arrives, the downdraft from the helicopter sending debris from the old roof flying!
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0042.jpg Keith and I run in to attach one of the bags of waste to go back.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0043_B.jpg 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!
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0044_B.jpg Success, and the sheets are on the way over for the second time.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0047_AMS.jpg Daniel watches with interest, with his hands over his ears to protect them from the noise.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0048_AMS.jpg Annabel and Emily have much more stylish (and rainbow-like) ear protectors.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0050_AMS.jpg Job done, and the team at base camp pose with the helicopter crew.
2004-08-16_Camas_Roof_Project_0062_AMS.jpg Now the hard work starts. Annabel and Emily help to prepare the walls for pointing.
2004-08-17_Camas_Roof_Project_0008.jpg I break off old cement with a large hammer.
2004-08-17_Camas_Roof_Project_0013_AMS.jpg Kathryn is pinned down inside by her dog.
2004-08-17_Camas_Roof_Project_0014.jpg It's been another beautiful day, and as evening falls the view out over the summer isles is spectacular.
2004-08-18_Camas_Roof_Project_0000_NS.jpg Alice manages to find an inside job in a quiet corner.
2004-08-18_Camas_Roof_Project_0001_NS.jpg The pointing begins in earnest.
2004-08-18_Camas_Roof_Project_0004_NS.jpg Pointing occupies virtually the whole team, braving drizzle to keep the work going.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0003_NS.jpg Alice is unused to the climate so moves straight from her inside job to a sheltered corner.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0006_NS.jpg The back wall is braced up to allow work on a section showing signs of movement.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0009_AMS.jpg Danial on cement duty, delivering yet another barrow-load which will disappear into the walls in no time.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0018.jpg Keith putting some finishing touches in place.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0022.jpg Burning rubbish.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0024.jpg Everyone wants to help, fascinated by the flames.
2004-08-20_Camas_Roof_Project_0029_AMS.jpg Beautiful evening, but the woodshed looks a little sorry with no roof.
2004-08-22_Camas_Roof_Project_0000_AMS.jpg Annabel and Emily on the beach, celebrating Annabel's birthday.
2004-08-22_Camas_Roof_Project_0012.jpg Back to work in the afternoon, pointing and starting to get planks along the top of the walls for the frames to rest on.
2004-08-22_Camas_Roof_Project_0016_AMS.jpg 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?!?!
2004-08-24_Camas_Roof_Project_0004_AMS.jpg The new roof finally starts taking shape as the ridge piece goes up.
2004-08-24_Camas_Roof_Project_0010.jpg Followed closely by the rest of the frames. The new stone gable is going up fast!
2004-08-25_Camas_Roof_Project_0008_AMS.jpg Neil producing yet another batch of cement.
2004-08-25_Camas_Roof_Project_0009.jpg The gable is still growing as the frame nears completion, but we can't finish the frame until the gable is done.
2004-08-25_Camas_Roof_Project_0013_NS.jpg So we start putting on the roofing sheets!
2004-08-25_Camas_Roof_Project_0017.jpg It is quick work at first.
2004-08-25_Camas_Roof_Project_0025_AMS.jpg We even manage to put in one of the skylight panels at the front.
2004-08-25_Camas_Roof_Project_0026_DC.jpg There is a spectacular sunset as we retire home, with only one more day on site to finish everything off.
2004-08-26_Camas_Roof_Project_0000.jpg The last day finds me cutting sheets to size with an angle grinder.
2004-08-26_Camas_Roof_Project_0010_AMS.jpg We make amazing progress, but everyone is exhausted and the weather has broken.
2004-08-26_Camas_Roof_Project_0011_AMS.jpg The team pose for a final photo. Only a couple of people stay behind to finish off and lock up.
2004-08-26_Camas_Roof_Project_0014.jpg That night we all have a beer or two. Job done in the nick of time.
2004-10-10_Camas_Roof_Project_Revisited_0000_DS.jpg 6 weeks on and Dad was in Inverness so he popped up to check all was well.
2004-10-10_Camas_Roof_Project_Revisited_0001_DS.jpg Roof's still on and looking good, so I have no complaints!
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