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Mr.
Jamieson works from his home in Cramond Tower, Edinburgh. This 14th century
tower was originally occupied by the Bishops of Dunkeld for over 200 years, then
by Archibald Douglas of Kilspindie and later by James Inglis of Edinburgh in the
17th century. After the nearby Cramond House was built in the 18th century the
tower remained unoccupied and ruinous for another 200 years, until Mr. Jamieson
bought it during the 1970's and restored it to its present elegance.
In 1978 the Tower was hidden in a jungle of overgrown elderberry trees, and
under threat from a number of 300 year old trees, some of which were nearly 70
feet high, the trunk of one was nearly 20 feet in circumference. The walls
needed to be repointed ,and there were no windows.
In the 1990's a two storey extension, on the East side, was added using an
exterior layer of stone and a design to complement the original building.
Ground Floor
Originally a storeroom, with the only natural light coming from a small
opening above the doorway, it has been restored for use as a gallery for
paintings and taxidermy displays.
Main
Hall
At some stage in its history, the south wall has been thinned to
provide more living space. The arched fireplace has been restored, complete with
canopy and chimney breast. Early Georgian windows have been fitted to the window
spaces, and the walls have been cleaned to show the variety of colouring in the
original stone walling.
Second Floor
The main feature of this floor is a magnificent window embrasure with
stone seats. This has been retained in it's original form, with an early
Georgian window replacing the original shutter type fenestration. This floor has
also been divided to form living and kitchen accommodation. What was probably a
garde-robe built into the thickness of the east wall has been restored for it's
original purpose.
Third
Floor
Restoration work has included the laying of beams and flooring, and the
erection of partition walls and doorways to provide bedroom and bathroom
accommodation. To meet the requirements of the appropriate authorities, an extra
window was made in the west wall. To maintain the character of the Tower, the
partition walls are paneled in mahogany, and the rubble walls have been left
bare.
Top Floor
Again, beams and flooring have been laid to provide two further bedrooms.
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