Latest

Preston Tower: a visit from Paul McLennan MSP, and a motion in the Scottish Parliament 19.08.2026
Inclusive Heritages extended to 21 July 14.07.2026
Inclusive Heritages: An exploration of accessible conservation by Kirsty Watt 03.07.2026
Brown’s of Leith and Preston Tower win at Scottish Design Awards 2026 25.06.2026
Brown’s of Leith: Edinburgh Pride Weekend 2026 15.06.2026
Preston Tower, Doocot and Gardens wins a 2026 RIAS Award 08.06.2026
Brown’s of Leith featured in Hidden Scotland 04.06.2026
Natasha Huq: MJ Long Prize for Excellence in Practice May 2026 01.06.2026
Brown’s of Leith in Dezeen 19.05.2026
Brown’s of Leith: the premiere of Grid Iron’s Mayflies, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 15.05.2026
View all entries
Vaila House and Tower
20200122_1143_Vaila_Hall_NGR (6)-2

On the Isle of Vaila, Vaila Hall, a late seventeenth-century castellated mansion, has undergone comprehensive conservation. Minor alterations and sensitive additions were incorporated to transform the historic building into a distinctive private residence set within the dramatic Shetland landscape.

Alongside Vaila Hall, Mucklaberry Tower, a nineteenth-century two-storey square-plan Baronial reconstruction, was refurbished to serve as a secluded retreat. Additionally, the nearby Arts and Crafts farmhouse known as Cloudin received a full refurbishment and was carefully harled to provide protection against the harsh Atlantic weather.

Together, these works reflect a thoughtful approach to conserving and adapting a group of architecturally and historically significant buildings, ensuring their ongoing use within a challenging coastal environment.

Location

Shetland, Scotland

Client

Private

Completed

2012

Type

Residential

Vaila House and Tower Details

Lambs Pavilion | Bridal Shoot

Living Room with fireplace.

01 GRA Archive Sketch

Lamb's House South East elevation with the Pavilion at the West corner of reintroduced walled garden. Sketch by Nicholas Groves-Raines.

The Lambs Pavilion | Interiors

Window detail.

The Lambs Pavilion | Interiors

Carefully curated antique furniture.

The Lambs Pavilion | Interiors

Octagonal stairs featuring claret-coloured walls and natural fiber bannister rope, finished with wall and crown knot.

The Lambs Pavilion | Interiors

Lime harling render and slate on the ooge roof.

Material Focus

  1. Flagstone
  2. Untreated Timber
  3. Sandstone Details