b'THE CARNEGIE CLUBH E A R T O FS T O N EThe upkeep of Skibos distinctive stonework requires specialist skills that estate director Gary Gruber is passionate about preserving WORDS Victoria Connor PHOTOGRAPHY Amy MurrellW hile Skibo Castle can trace itsadvantage, and across the castle elaboratelyverdant gardens. One hundred and twenty 61 foundations back to the 13thcarved woodland creatures, gargoyles, foliage,years later, the artistry of these craftsmen still century, most of its structurescrollwork, and other decorative flourishes,enthrals. The malleable quality that made dates from around 1899 when Andrewappeared. Their work continued beyond thesandstone an ideal medium for those artisans Carnegie undertook extensive remodellingcastle itself, with a balustraded terrace andis, however, the very characteristic that of his newly purchased Highland home.stone staircases leading down into the castlesthreatens them today. This soft rock is Overseen by Inverness architects Ross & Macbeth, the enormous project tripled the size of the building, transforming it into a stunning example of Scottish Baronial design. The number of workers required for this vast undertaking exceeded that available in the local area, and so three temporary structuresthe Skibo, Overskibo and Clashmugach barrackswere erected to house the many stonemasons, carpenters, and other artisans who travelled from across the country to work on the renovations.Skibo had been built from locally quarried stone and so, for Carnegies extensive remodelling project, the estates old quarry at Evelix was reopened, with new roads and bridges built to facilitate the movement of the newly hewn sandstone to the site. Sandstone is a relatively soft rock, and lends itself to sculptural elements. The masons working on the building took full'