Digital Innovation brings centuries old ceilings to life at Kellie Castle

The National Trust for Scotland has partnered with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to produce digital scans and 3D models of the precious plasterwork ceilings at Kellie Castle.

Article Source: National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 13 February 2025 11:53

The National Trust for Scotland has partnered with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to produce digital scans and 3D models of the precious plasterwork ceilings at Kellie Castle, creating hands-on engagement for visitors and ensuring the long-term conservation of these historic features.

The project has created millimetre-accurate scans of the Fife Castle’s ceilings, the oldest of which, in the library, dates to 1617 and was potentially the first plaster ceiling created in Scotland. Using 3D terrestrial laser scanning, which fires a dome shape of laser points one million times per second at the ceiling, the team created a 3D digital map called a point cloud. Combined with photographs, this created realistic 3D virtual models and contour maps of the ceilings.

The maps of Kellie Castle allow for better visualisation of any cracks or deformations that appear due to slight structural movement over time, and they create an archive that will be used to monitor, manage, and care for these beautiful ceilings for many years to come.

The Trust also hopes that 3D models printed from the scans will support visitor interpretation at the Castle, bringing some of the unique features to life.

Bryan Dickson, Head of Buildings Conservation Policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We have chosen some of the most interesting plaster features to test how 3D printing can support their interpretation. We found that ceiling moulds were used at multiple locations - one of our 3D prints is of a medallion of a lion, which is the same as one at Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire, suggesting the movement of early tools and craftsmen across Scotland. As well as improving the digital innovation for buildings conservation, we are also using this technology to break down the finer details and research the motifs, what they mean, and connect stories.”

Kellie Castle was built in three phases, with the original northwest tower dating from around 1360. In 1573, the east tower was built, followed by the southwest tower around the turn of the 17th century. All three were linked by a range, creating the T-shape of the building seen today. Many of the Castle’s ceilings are decorated with elaborate plasterwork related to the history of the families that lived there.

The Trust’s digital innovation partnership with HES began with modelling thermographic and moisture content surveys of the Hill House as part of the project to save the building badly effected by damp. Now, the Trust is providing funding for one colleague to work from HES’ Engine Shed every two years to support ongoing projects like the one at Kellie Castle.

Bryan Dickson continued: “Preserving our built heritage and sharing it with people for generations to come is a core part of our work at the Trust, and embracing digital innovation will become increasingly important as our buildings age and become more vulnerable to external factors, including climate change. Our digital partnership with HES is vital to pioneering digital practice in the heritage sector, and it’s a great opportunity to share resources, make new discoveries, and create best practices moving forward.

“The scanning project at Kellie Castle is hopefully the first stage of an ongoing piece of work. We have similar important ceilings at the House of the Binns, Craigievar Castle, and Fyvie Castle that would benefit from this level of recording and modelling. Now that we have tested the methodology at Kellie Castle, we can create an archival programme for other properties in our care.”

Sophia Mirashrafi, Senior Digital Innovation Officer at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “At HES, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for skills development and training within heritage in cutting edge technologies with practical applications. This partnership we have developed with the Trust over the years offers more than just a fantastic chance for someone to learn across two major heritage organisations in Scotland. These collaborative projects also allow us to test, innovate, and trial new workflows and techniques in digital documentation and visualisation, which we often don’t get the opportunity to do in our business as usual. As we foster the learning of these trainees, we develop as a team alongside them, driving innovation and collaboration across teams and organisations.”

The digital project at Kellie Castle supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect, and share Scotland’s nature, beauty, and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022. For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, visit www.nts.org.uk

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Digital Innovation brings centuries old ceilings to life at Kellie Castle

The National Trust for Scotland has partnered with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to produce digital scans and 3D models of the precious plasterwork ceilings at Kellie Castle.

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