When I first encountered the Hebridean Blackhouse at No 42 Arnol, Lewis, during the early 1970s, I was about to enter a close association with a building which was to last almost 25 years.

As a Property in Care of Historic Scotland on behalf of the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Blackhouse has been maintained by the state since 1962. It was my privilege to lead that programme for over 10 years. During that time the sophistication of the building’s design and its functionalism always impressed.

It had been restored from its ailing state and given a major new lease of life as a visitor attraction. It was, however, kept as intact as it could he so that its purpose, characteristics and form could be readily appreciated by all those who viewed it.

As with all buildings, the cycle of routine maintenance occasionally gives way to the need for a more omnibus overhaul. Such a need arose during Spring/Summer 1990when a full programme of works had to be devised and pursued. This approach also provided an ideal opportunity to undertake a fuller and more intense analysis of the structure and its detail than was possible during the major1960s work programme.

By combining practical hands-on experience with academic research and analysis, this Guide sets out to present a deeper understanding of an extremely cultured piece of architecture, despite its outward appearance. It is offered to practitioners as an aid to interpretation and understanding in anticipation that it will provide an effective model for others to follow in the care and preservation of similar indigenous building types.

INGVAL MAXWELL Director, TCRE