The Pebble Trust was pleased to be able to contribute to the decarbonisation of Boleskine House. The project is a good example of the type of work that the Trust is keen to support. It not only includes the sustainable renovation and decarbonisation of the house, but also has a strong, and long term commitment to sharing their expertise and learning with a broad range of visitors, both in person and online.
Keith Readdy from the Boleskine House Foundation describes the work they have undertaken.
The decarbonisation work at Boleskine House involved the installation of a new air-source heat pump system, underfloor heating, and a solar PV array with smart controls. These systems have significantly improved the house’s energy efficiency and reduced the long-term carbon footprint, whilst also being sensitively integrated into a listed heritage building.
Air source heat pump at Boleskine House
Beyond these capital works, we undertook a programme of public engagement and education. This included two online events explaining the renewables installation process and the principles of low-carbon retrofitting in historic buildings. The events included a dedicated discussion on heat pumps, insulation considerations, and hints and tips for approaching a home decarbonisation project. One of these sessions can be seen on our YouTube channel.
Solar PV panels at Boleskine House
We also held an in-person community event in August 2024. At this participants were able to speak directly with the project team; ask questions about the heat pump and solar installation; and learn about the wider sustainability approach being taken in the building’s restoration.
We’ll be hosting another public session as part of our 11 April 2026 Open Day, during which our contractors RiCruden will speak to around 800 visitors about all the decarbonisation measures.
One thing we’ve learnt as a result of the project is that it is a good idea to work with a specialist renewable-energy engineer from an early stage. We began by getting advice from different suppliers, which meant that they were promoting their own approach, rather than providing objective advice on what would work best for the needs of a large historic building like Boleskine House.
We also learned the value of establishing an early and consistent technical narrative to ensure that all contractors, advisors, and volunteers were working from a unified understanding of how heat pumps, insulation and solar PV would integrate within the building. If we did another project, we’d make sure that all this was clear before any work started.
Many people wish to reduce their home carbon footprint but are unsure how to begin, so, once we’ve completed the internal restoration and the building opens to the public in 2026, all the decarbonisation work will be highlighted in an interpretation trail; technical display; and more digital content that will give a clear, accessible, example of what is possible.
We’re pleased that the decarbonisation project has created a long-term, sustainable legacy for Boleskine House that includes reduced carbon emissions, lower running costs, and the long-term viability of this historic building. We hope that our work will inspire others to undertake similar sustainable renovations.
If you’ve been inspired by the work at Boleskine House you might like to download or purchase a hard copy of The Sustainable Renovation Guide, a Pebble Trust publication created by SEDA.
