The historic restoration works at the Grade I listed Ford Castle, in Northumberland, are reaching their grand conclusion and are due to be completed in June. St Astier’s involvement on the 14 month contract included extensive stone repairs, rebuilding of crenulations and parapets, lime pointing, and internal lime plastering to the main castle, the ancillary buildings and the 1367 built Flag Tower (in the forefront in the photograph). Many of the castle’s chimneys also required extensive repairs and stabilisation.

The castle, once used as a border defence against rogue Scots, is used as an education centre and outward-bounds facility for schools and for the majority of the restorative program, it was business as usual with parties of school children staying in the dormitories and using the parkland for sports and games. Careful planning of site activities and strict Health and Safety Management resulted in smooth sailing as the scheme ran according to program without incident.