Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Edinburgh EH6 6AL GRAS are a diverse team of over forty uniquely skilled creative individuals, including researchers, curators, creators, storytellers, problem solvers, conservationists, managers, designers and makers. We are collectively dedicated to pursuing net-positive impacts through our work: physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural, social, environmental.
We collaborate to create and conserve extraordinary places, spaces and objects, through the research and exploration of ideas, contexts, materials, techniques and technologies.
Living in an age of environmental crisis, our actions can have significantly positive or negative effects. At a time when almost everything is deemed disposable, we seek to create and conserve unique, emotionally enriching, functional buildings, objects and tools that will be loved and cherished. In turn, we can hope that they will be cared for, repaired, used, and adaptively re-used by multiple generations to come.
Over the decades, our team have conserved and restored many of Scotland’s finest period properties and buildings, bringing them new life and helping to secure their future. These include castles and stately homes, but also churches, ordinary homes and even a 19th-century lighthouse at the southernmost point of mainland Shetland. In 2017, our founding directors were awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for their service to Scotland’s built heritage and in 2022 an MBE for services to Architecture, Heritage and Conservation.
As part of Wildland’s ambitious 200-year project, which aims to protect and restore large parts of the Scottish Highlands through a process of careful conservation and regeneration, we are collaborating on a series of historic properties along the North Coast 500 route. Here are some noteworthy projects shaping this experience:
Caisteal Bharraich
Located majestically above the Kyle of Tongue in Sutherland, this dramatic and historically significant scheduled monument underwent careful conservation. Our work on the iconic 15th century Caisteal Bharraich opened its doors to a wider audience, offering breath-taking panoramic views from a newly constructed platform. The local community was involved throughout the restoration process, with their knowledge and enthusiasm being harnessed during community consultations. Various outreach activities were organised, and aspects of the repairs were translated into teaching materials used by the local primary school. In addition, school children prepared letters, photographs, newspaper articles and drawings of local wildlife which were placed in a time capsule and ceremonially embedded into a rebuilt section of the wall. This endeavour not only preserved the monument’s legacy but also invigorated the surrounding area, earning the project Civic Trust Conservation Commendation in 2019.
Lundies House
Recognised in the prestigious Gold List 2024, Condé Nast collection of the best hotels and resorts across the world, this 19th-century former manse and its grounds underwent meticulous refurbishment and thoughtful adaptation. Three period-inspired guest suites and an attic-level apartment now grace this historic property with each detail curated with precision by the creative team at Wildland. From the concept to the procurement of unique furnishings and artworks, the project seamlessly blends the conserved building with modern luxury. The associated 18th century steading has been converted and extended and now provides additional contemporary suites as well as conference facilities, office and support spaces, and a sheltered dining loggia, all opening onto a new courtyard with seating around the fire. Explore more via lundies.scot
Kyle House
This monastic and peaceful, low-energy house is built to last for generations and is perfect for two people to live slowly and comfortably while immersing themselves in the dramatic, natural setting. The building dates from the early to mid-19th century and is believed to have been built using stone salvaged from the nearby iron-age Dun Mhaigh broch. Working closely with Wildland, we turned a redundant shell into a space that brings together the best of Scottish and Scandinavian design to create a special and emotive work of architecture. Kyle House’s thoughtful design was longlisted for the 2021 RIBA House of The Year Award, along with winning prestigious 2021 RIAS Award for Architecture and the 2020 Scottish Design Award Chairman’s Award. Discover more via kyle.scot
