For over 500 years, the powerful Campbell clan buried their chiefs in the tiny village of Kilmun. Their family mausoleum is tucked into the corner of the church that still serves the community. The ruined tower of an earlier church, sacked in a bloody clan feud, stands outside the door, while the graveyard is full of beautifully carved headstones.
I worked with Icosis Architects and long-time friends Aaron Lawton Associates to develop an integrated suite of visitor facilities at this complex site. They include a shelter for welcome and orientation, outdoor panels, and evocative texts carved into the paving around the church. Inside, we developed a small exhibition that features some of the remarkable objects found in the mausoleum. I put together the interpretation plan and wrote all text for the project.
The restoration of the mausoleum and its opening to the public was managed by a dedicated group of local volunteers. We worked closely with this group, and carried out open consultation meetings so we could understand community sensitivities and aspirations. In 2016 the project was Commended in the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards.
We were particularly enchanted with the tiny but beautiful visitor centre.
Civic Trust commendation
