Laidhay Croft Museum: Barn roof collapse needs expert help

A plea for help has gone out after the roof of a 200-year-old 'A' listed barn at Dunbeath collapsed.

The Laidhay Barn based at Laidhay Croft Museum had a cruck roof – the only one of its kind in the north of Scotland.

Made from driftwood that came from the shore, the roof has stood through many years until just over four weeks ago. A report is currently with the insurer to find out why the roof came down.

The Laidhay Presevervation Society is now on a mission to restore the building to its former glory in the exact same fashion, and are appealing to anyone who can help.

A spokesperson for the Laidhay Preservation Society said: "The building has original crucks that was made from driftwood from 200 years ago set into the stone wall, so we are going to have to do it the same way again.

"We are now appealing for anyone who has the expertise or knows of someone who can help us restore this building."

Laidhay Barn and the museum displays donations of people from the area from long ago, and many people come to visit to see what is there.

The society runs off donations alone and is still finding its feet again after being closed during the pandemic.

The spokesperson added: "Some people come into the museum every year to see what belonged to their grandparents and family members.

"It is a special place and we are now just waiting to see how much the roof will cost us."

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