Caithness stone used in clipper restoartion
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A CAITHNESS company supplied the flagstones which have been laid around one of the world’s most famous ships.
The Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, was devastated by fire in 2007 but opened again to the public this year after intensive conservation work at the Royal Museums in Greenwich.
As part of the restoration, 7,000 square metres of Caithness flagstone was laid around the ship – a contract carried out by A&D Sutherland of Spittal.
Mark Mancini, managing director of the family-owned business, said: "We were absolutely delighted to win such a prestigious project which has involved every member of our team over the past two years.
"The flagstones, which were a variety of precise shapes and colours as requested by the project’s architects, were transported by a combination of road and rail to London."
He added: "The £50 million conservation project was re-opened by the Queen at the end of April.
"We haven’t actually been to see the finished job yet – but are planning a visit in November." The flagstones supplied by the company were laid by specialist firm VolkerHighways.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise helped provide the funding for cutting equipment which helped the company to deliver the contract.
HIE’s Annemarie Monteforte said: "Having seen the flagstones at Greenwich, I can say they look absolutely spectacular.
"It is no surprise that this job has led to additional interest from other London projects."
She added: "We are delighted to have supported A&D Sutherland to buy the precision equipment which allows their skilled staff to meet very demanding specifications for this beautiful stone.
"The conservation work has opened up a new market and range of opportunities for the local firm."
