Newbattle Abbey College
Greyfriars Roofing carried out an extensive roof restoration and repair project at the sprawling site of Newbattle Abbey College in Dalkeith, Midlothian. A large complex of historically important and architecturally impressive buildings, the college was founded in 1140 as a Cistercian monastery before later becoming a stately home for the Kerr family, and now functions as a residential college.
Works were spread across several buildings on the site over a four-year period and included the restoration of the 17th century clock tower, renewal of five lead platform roofs and structural repair and restoration of the main accommodation block. All of these phases required a delicate and highly skilled approach to heritage roofing, leadwork and general building conservation.
The contract was worth around £250,000, with the phases taking place at intervals to suit site requirements and minimise disruption to the live site where possible.
Replaced leadwork including gutters, flashings, and internal details
Renewed slate roofs while preserving original look
Improved rainwater run-off with new lead cappings and spout design
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Newbattle Abbey College – Commercial Roofing Gallery
Architectural Context, Design Intent, & Project Challenges
Newbattle Abbey College is a Category A listed building complex, a former monastery and stately home with a mix of monastic, Jacobean and Victorian architectural features. As such, our work on the site had to both preserve the historic appearance of the buildings while using improved materials and techniques to deliver on modern requirements for durability and performance.
Features such as fragile sandstone finishes, narrow roof spaces and intricate facades made traditional access approaches like hoists or scaffolding towers impossible in many cases, requiring bespoke material-handling and access arrangements.
The clock tower itself is believed to have been built by Benedictine monks in the 17th century, with original Douglas Fir louvres and four clock faces facing onto the grounds. While one of the faces was still working, many years of water ingress and general decay had set in and a specialist conservation approach was required.
Project Works & Key Challenges
1. Clock Tower Restoration
All leadwork was replaced, including gutters, flashings and internal details. Complex access issues were overcome without the use of scaffolding towers. Rainwater management was redesigned to overcome long-term water ingress, with a bespoke spout system specified, instead of open pipework as originally eliminating blockages and maximising run-off. Revised detailing improved performance and maintained the original appearance, while helping to reduce future maintenance requirements.
2. Lead Platform Roof Replacements
Five lead platform roofs were re-covered in response to visible signs of age and material failure. The existing degraded leadwork was stripped off and replaced with new Code 6 and Code 7 milled lead sheets. New underlays and expansion joints were added to align with contemporary lead working best practice. Completed roofs were signed off by the Lead Contractors Association (LCA).
3. Accommodation Block Roof and Wall Repair
Demounted and renewed perished roofing felt to re-weatherproof. Repaired perished inner leaf masonry walls to arrest and protect. Applied lead cappings to parapet stone copes to improve weather resistance and increase life. All works were carefully undertaken with minimum disruption to college activities.
4. Ongoing Maintenance and Conservation Upgrades
Carried out slate replacements, leadwork patch repairs, and roofline improvements across multiple buildings. Undertook sensitive repairs to aged architectural details, preserving the historic character of the estate. Planned and executed works in carefully phased stages, coordinating access and material deliveries around college schedules and grounds usage.
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Client Testimonials and Our Trusted Reputation
We believe the true measure of our work is the satisfaction of our clients. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work on many wonderful heritage projects, and our customers’ kind words motivate us to keep our standards sky-high. One testimonial, in particular, sums up what Greyfriars is all about:
“These guys are the best. Old school as they say, and know their stuff. They have done a beautiful job with lovely lead work done to perfection. I would have no hesitation in recommending Steve and his guys to do your roof. First class!!!” – Polly Hetherington, heritage roof client in Edinburgh (via Google review).
Beyond individual testimonials, Greyfriars Roofing maintains a solid standing in the community. We often get referrals from conservation officers and architects who know our work. Our clients appreciate that we treat their historic properties with respect – we keep sites tidy, ensure scaffolding is set up safely and considerately, and strive to minimise disruption.
Newbattle Abbey College – Commercial Roofing Project
Watch the skilled craftsmanship involved in our work at Newbattle Abbey College, a commercial conservation roofing project to the highest heritage standards. It’s a complex job, and this short video showcases the exacting precision, care and skill involved in the restoration of slate and leadwork throughout the estate. Greyfriars Roofing are commercial specialists trusted throughout Scotland for genuine, quality roofing solutions.
Project Approach and Execution
The access and logistics challenges of working at Newbattle Abbey were among the more significant hurdles to overcome. The design and layout of the buildings in many areas precluded the use of traditional scaffolding or mechanical lifting equipment. Heavy lead and materials often had to be moved by hand into position, using bespoke material-handling routes, staged loading areas, and rooftop pulley systems.
Given the listed status of the estate and the fragile nature of many finishes, our ability to work with the building and adjust our working methods was crucial.
On-site lead welding was heavily restricted to avoid risk of damage, for example. All leadwork was carefully templated on-site, fabricated off-site in certain cases, and then installed with the utmost precision to avoid damage to historic masonry or timbers.
Much of the existing roof detailing, especially on the clock tower, dated back several hundred years and had failed multiple times over its history. Using our in-depth experience of heritage roofing, we were able to adjust and refine many of these details to improve function while maintaining their historical character.
The revised spout system on the clock tower, for example, replaced an original open pipe detail. While visually in-keeping, this earlier detail had historically led to blockages and internal water damage. The spout replaced this, ensuring long-term drainage performance without compromising the original aesthetic intent.
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Newbattle Abbey College Roof Work
Outcome: Subtle Changes for Lasting Results
In many ways, this long-running, multi-building conservation and restoration project is a reflection of Greyfriars Roofing’s ability to combine conservation expertise with practical problem-solving.
We were able to extend the life of these important historic buildings through a careful programme of repairs and replacements, improved detailing and the use of more durable traditional materials applied to modern standards.
Though subtle in their appearance, the result has been a significant improvement in overall performance, which has prevented continuing water ingress and decay, while also ensuring the college’s historic buildings are better protected for the future all while maintaining the character and visual heritage that is so important to the site.
Our ability to adapt traditional detailing to modern conservation standards was key to this project’s success, and once again demonstrates why Greyfriars Roofing is trusted across Scotland for complex and sensitive heritage roofing and restoration works.
FAQs
What type of roofing work was carried out at Newbattle Abbey College?
We completed traditional slate and leadwork repairs, including full lead roof replacements, parapet capping, and detailed restoration across multiple buildings.
Were heritage standards followed during the works?
Absolutely. All repairs and replacements were done to conservation-grade standards, ensuring the historic character of the estate was preserved.
Was the project completed while the college was still operating?
Yes. All works were carefully planned and phased to minimise disruption to college operations and grounds access.
Did you face any specific challenges during the project?
Yes. We managed complex access without scaffolding towers, redesigned water management systems, and worked around the unique architectural features of the historic site.
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