The historic Tam O’Shanter Inn in Ayr, Scotland has recently undergone a fascinating transformation with the completion of the restoration of its iconic thatched roof. This meticulous restoration project, which took a total of three weeks to complete, was a long-awaited process that had been in the planning and organizing stages for almost two years.
The Tam O’Shanter Inn, a category B-listed building located on Ayr’s High Street, is known for its unique reed-thatched roof, making it a standout landmark in the town. The pub, which holds the title of being the oldest public house in Ayr, applied for planning permission to replace the roof with a like-for-like replacement back in July.
After receiving approval from the South Ayrshire Council in September, the restoration project was given the green light by Historic Environment Scotland, allowing the work to begin. The restoration of the thatched roof was carried out by Alan Jones, a Master Thatcher from Pembrokeshire Thatch and Carpentry Services, along with his skilled team, who meticulously worked by hand to strip the old roof, remove debris, and restore it using Scottish reed sourced from the Tay Estuary.
The owners of the pub expressed their excitement and gratitude for the completion of the project on social media, stating, “This week we saw Alan, Sara, and Kerenza complete our roof with a new ridge, using traditional methods and materials. It has been a fascinating and wonderful journey watching as the thatched roof took shape day by day. The expected duration of the roof is 25 years plus, so not something we will see again for many years.”
Throughout the restoration process, the Tam O’Shanter Inn remained open for business as usual, welcoming patrons with its signature warm hospitality, cold beers, great Guinness, and quality malts. The pub spokesperson encouraged everyone to be a part of history and visit the newly restored thatched roof to witness the remarkable transformation firsthand.
With the completion of this “incredibly rare” restoration project, the Tam O’Shanter Inn continues to stand as a symbol of Ayr’s rich history and architectural heritage. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail put into restoring the thatched roof have ensured that this iconic landmark will continue to captivate locals and visitors alike for many years to come.
