Bridging Conservation & Climate in Scotland
- Work with Eland Stuart, a master of heritage conservation, as you help repair the 1815 Telford bridge.
- Take the ferry to Isle of Bute to enjoy amazing coastal views and visit historic sites such as Mount Stuart House.
- Head to town to sing with the community choir, followed by a visit to the local pub.
Argyll in the autumn is beautiful, with colorful woodlands and miles of amazing coastline. In the midst of this sits Thomas Telford’s 1815 bridge leading to Dunans manor house and “castle”. You and other AiP jammers will work with Eland Stuart, learning the art of repointing with lime mortar, beginning conservation of the bridge's central arch. Jammers will take on the central arch of the bridge. Repointing work will be on scaffolding under the bridge arch, accessed by ladders.
Dunans recently bought back 250 acres of the ancient Fletcher estate adjoining the castle and is working to create a native woodland. Reintroducing native species will increase biodiversity and contribute to ecological sustainability in the area.
Lodging is located along Loch Riddon with delicious meals prepared by a caterer. We'll take the ferry to the Isle of Bute where we'll visit the historic Mount Stuart House, and we'll explore natural & historic sites along the Cowal peninsula.
Saturday: Pick up in Glasgow; meet other AiP jammers and settle into lodging
Mon-Wed am; Thurs-Fri: Hands-on skills training and conservation work on bridge and castle turret
Sunday & Wed afternoon: Excursions to heritage sites
Saturday: Return to Glasgow
Airport pickup provided from Glasgow Airport (GLA). You must be at the airport ready for pickup by 3pm at the latest on the Saturday of arrival.
Airport drop off provided at Glasgow Airport (GLA). Drop off time is 11am on Saturday.
Rain gear is essential. Plan to bring waterproof/water resistant shoes, and waterproof jacket and pants. A waterproof hat may be helpful in addition to the jacket hood.
It can feel quite chilly working outside, so consider bringing sweaters to go under a down vest and/or down jacket. This can go under your rain jacket. Silk long underwear, wool socks and insulated work gloves can all help you stay comfortable. Sturdy close-toed shoes are required. You may want to dress up a bit for visits to the village and other site seeing, but plan for comfort.
- Ground transportation between Glasgow Airport & Dunans Castle
- Lodging during your session
- Meals from dinner on Saturday of arrival through breakfast on day of departure, except meals on excursions
- Excursions during your trip dates
- Instruction from expert, Eland Stuart
- Travel to Glasgow
- Visa if required
- Meals and entrance fees during excursions
- Proof of Covid vaccination; 2 Covid 19 Antigen Rapid Tests
- Travel insurance is compulsory. When selecting a policy, the minimum required is coverage for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Send AiP proof of purchase.
Payment is due in full no later than 45 days prior to the start of the trip.
- Your 50% deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel prior to 45 days before the start of the AiP session for which you registered, your deposit may be transferred to another session.
- If you have paid in-full and notify AiP of cancellation prior to 45 days before the start of the project session, 50% of your payment will be refunded. The 50% deposit is non-refundable, but may be applied to another project.
- No reimbursement is possible if cancellation occurs after 45 days before the start of the project session or during the project.
- We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance.