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Works to repair the Lewis War Memorial are due to commence.

 

Flemings Masonry Contractors from Glasgow will carry out the restoration project over most of the summer.

 

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has received a £132,000 grant from the War Memorial Trust.

 

 

 

 

Repairs on Lewis War Memorial to start  

 

30 March 2016  

The council is also contributing £100,000 towards the repairs.

 

Simpson and Brown Conservation Architects were appointed for the pre-contract and tender process.

 

Comhairle convener and chair of the local remembrance group, Norman A MacDonald, said: “The Lewis War Memorial has been one of the most iconic buildings in our islands since it was opened on Friday 24th September 1924.

 

"More than two thousand people gathered that day to witness the opening of the memorial, dedicated to Lewismen and women who had lost their lives fighting for their country.

 

"Due to its prominent unsheltered spot on the top of Cnoc-nan-uan, the building has suffered damage to its stonework over the years, due to the Lewis weather.

 

"It is very important that we maintain such buildings, which are a constant reminder to us all of the sacrifices made by so many islanders and I am very pleased to see that the Comhairle has been awarded a grant to carry out necessary restoration works.”

 

Scaffolding will be erected around the memorial to allow the restoration works to be undertaken to all elevations.

 

The external works will primarily consist of stonework pointing, stone replacement where necessary, replacement of 15 slim windows with new louvres and refurbishment of 4 windows on the fourth floor.

 

Restoration works will be undertaken to the three overhanging turrets and the turret steps, entrance door ceiling and slit windows will all be refurbished.

 

The internal work will primarily involve the removal of existing secondary material, such as cement render, plaster and paint, to expose the inner rubble stone surfaces to walls.

 

When completed, scaffolding will then be left for a number of months to allow inspections.