The Black Watch Memorial – Conservation of a public monument

The AOC Archaeology Group Conservation team recently completed the restoration of the Black Watch Memorial on the Mound in central Edinburgh.

Throughout its nearly 100 year history, the statue of a Highland soldier has suffered a combination of various degradation and corrosion processes, through being exposed to the elements and increasing presence of airborne pollutants from nearby traffic. The surface of the bronze components was discoloured and encased in uneven and unstable corrosion products, which were not only considered unsightly but also detrimental to the overall stability of the statue.

The AOC Conservators carried out careful cleaning of the bronze components of the statue using pressurised water techniques together with localised manual cleaning of the detailed areas. The front plaque depicting a charge of the troops into battle underwent further restoration work, through the reinstallation of the missing rifle parts with bayonets.

What made the task of conservation/restoration particularly challenging in this case, was the recent Scottish winter weather, with wind speeds of up to 56 mph, combined with heavy rain and hail-storms! However, with the help of scaffolding encapsulation, the work was allowed to continue with little disruption. The conservation/restoration of this landmark is now complete and the memorial has been returned to its former glory, in time for the Rededication Ceremony that took place in March 2008.

AOC Conservation Co-ordinator: Liisa Nasanen
Client: City of Edinburgh Council with the support of The Edinburgh World Heritage Organisation, The Black Watch Association, the War Memorials Trust, The One o’clock Gun Association and the Bank of Scotland