On Site: St Mary’s Chapel at Kirk of St Nicholas

In the heart of Aberdeen, St Mary’s Chapel stands as a rare and extraordinary example of Scotland’s late medieval architecture. Dating to the early 15th century, this Category A-listed structure is the oldest part of the Kirk of St Nicholas complex and features exquisite carved oak panelling attributed to master craftsman John Fendour. It is a building of immense historical significance, embodying centuries of craftsmanship and cultural memory.⁠

GRAS is proud to lead the latest phase of a programme aimed at returning the chapel to public use. This involves careful interventions that preserve its historic fabric while introducing modern services to ensure its relevance. Current works include the removal of inappropriate materials from earlier interventions, masonry repairs, the reinstatement of traditional lime plasterwork, and the meticulous repair of original timber panelling. Each step demands not only technical expertise but sensitivity to the building’s materiality and history.⁠

Central to our approach is the use of advanced laser scanning technology, an essential tool in conservation. This technique creates precise, three-dimensional models of the chapel, capturing every detail of its structure. These scans enable interventions with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring the building’s integrity is preserved. When combined with craft techniques, such as applying traditional lime plaster, this methodology reflects GRAS’s ability to merge innovation with heritage in the service of enduring conservation.

Completion of this phase is scheduled for early 2025, marking a milestone in safeguarding the chapel’s future. By balancing respect for its historic fabric with modern use, we aim to ensure St Mary’s Chapel continues to inspire and connect with its community for generations to come.⁠

Image reference: Laser scan axonometric by Andrew Harvey
GRAS team: Dr J Stewart Stirling and Luis Braña
Client: The Open Space Trust (OST)
Funding: OST and Aberdeen City Council
Quantity Surveyors: McLeod + Aitken
M&E Engineers: CDMM Ltd
Main Contractors: North Group Ltd
Principal Subcontractors: LTM Group Ltd