Waiting for the Bricklayers

Gosh - I hadn't realised how long ago I wrote the last Blog.
This month has flown. Ben has been up to stay for a week with a friend and it was so great having him around - Phil and I were very sad to take him to the airport on Monday.
We haven't been able to do anywork on site this week as the bricklayers are busy on another job. They are also working on a big house at Letterfinlay (just a few miles up Loch Lochy for those of you who know the area) The week before last we had a lot more gravel delivered and 5 loads of cement all deposited in the 'hole' - despite the water problems - to make the base for the foundations. Donald did a lot to disperse the peat which came out of the hole round the site and a few decisions were made as to coping with the drainage.
We can now see the layout of the house in where the cement has been poured and some time this week Phil has to go and set out properly for the bricklayers (Paul and mates) who promise to be here Monday.
Although we have had some strong winds and pouring rain the last couple of days today is fine and sunny. Lets hope it stays that way!
I shall take some more photos when there is somethng to see.

We are Ready to Start the Foundations

A week has passed by and a lot of digging has occured, We are now ready for the concrete to arrive tomorrow to line the foundations and make a solid base for the brick work. Donald has dug out as much as possible and the hole has been filled with a deep layer of pretty solid gravel material. Phil then set the building line out and they have dug trenches ready for concrete to flow in. Despite this photo showing Phil admiring his building materials we have actually had pretty awful wet weather and it is a battle keeping the hole dry. In fact we are not. The pump is facing an up hill struggle and keeps getting blocked with peat silt, the sides are caving in and you can watch the water seeping through. Still I suppose they know what they are doing!!! The building inspector arrived last Friday and was happy and just advised to get the cement in. Beats me how it is going to set! So the week ahead looks interesting and it shouldn't be long before we see the block work and base for the timber frame in place. The frame itself is now due the week of the 22nd May so we have 4 weeks - plenty of time!

ARCHITECT DRAWING OF EILEAN BEITH

All Systems Go

After all our problems all the permissions came through last week and we are now able to start work again. They have been trying to get the land cleared and ready for the foundations in. Phil has been down the hole to start setting out and this shows him in the lounge! Today we have a huge digger on site and Little Pines is shaking badly. Phil assures me it won't fall over! Ten lorry loads of stone are due in today to finish the drive and line the hole ready for the concrete to go in. I shall now be keeping this 'Blog' regularly updated to keep you all informed so have a look and follow the progress.