At the very tip of mainland Scotland, John O’Groats Mill stands open to the full force of the Atlantic. So, when work began on the site’s new low-level extension, we knew the roof would need to do more than keep the rain out – it had to handle gales, salt air and freezing temperatures, year after year.
As one of the Highlands’ leading roofing contractors, we were trusted to create something that could take on the elements while still fitting beautifully with the character of the Old Mill.
The end result? A roof that brings together modern flat roofing technology and traditional leadwork detailing for a mix of strength, craft and respect for history.
Restoring a Landmark in Scotland’s Far North
For the new low-level extension at John O’Groats Mill, our team took on the full roofing package: an Alwitra flat roof system, a living green roof, and hand-finished Code 7 leadwork around the edges. It needed to be tough, efficient and watertight, but also fit naturally with the charm of the old mill.
Here’s what that looked like in practice:
- A steel deck and Alwitra waterproofing system, supplied by ICB
- High-performance insulation to keep the building warm and efficient
- A living green roof to help the site blend into its coastal setting
- Traditional Code 7 lead detailing, shaped and finished by hand for beauty and weather resistance
Every layer was planned with care and fitted with pride. The result is a roof that marries modern performance with traditional craft – built to last, no matter what the weather brings.
Designing a Coastal Roofing System That Lasts
At John O’Groats, you don’t take chances with a roof. The conditions demand good planning, solid workmanship, and materials that can stand their ground.
Early in the build, we spotted that the original roof design needed improvement. Some of the underlay and fall details wouldn’t have held up to life by the sea. So, working with the Lead Sheet Training Academy (LSTA), we reworked the perimeter and fixing details to make sure the roof would perform for decades – not just in theory, but in practice.
The cold weather also brought its own challenges. In freezing temperatures, lead becomes rigid and unforgiving, so our installers used hot-air guns and blowtorches to soften each sheet before shaping. It was careful, steady work – the kind that can’t be rushed if you want it done right.
Space on site was limited too. Deliveries had to be timed precisely, and covered areas were used to keep materials dry and ready to go. Ultimately, it was smart planning, teamwork, and attention to detail kept everything moving, even when the forecast didn’t.
The Team Who Made It Happen
Delivering this roof took skill, patience, and real teamwork.
The lead perimeter – one of the standout features of the project – was crafted by experienced hands using traditional timber rolls and stainless steel restraint strips for strength and stability. Every joint was shaped and finished by hand, checked daily against LSTA best-practice guidance, and signed off by senior operatives before completion. It was painstaking work, but it’s the kind of precision our leadworkers take pride in.
This project was also a chance to pass that knowledge on. Our apprentices were involved in preparing timber rolls and dressing joints, learning first-hand what goes into high-quality leadwork in one of the toughest climates in the country. With guidance from the Lead Sheet Training Academy, the site became a live classroom – a place where experience and fresh skill came together to deliver something exceptional.
The Result: Traditional Craft, Modern Performance
This project proved that old-school craftsmanship and modern roofing can live happily under the same sky. The finished roof is watertight, durable, and full of the kind of detail you only get when people care about what they’re doing. It fits the building perfectly – respectful of its history, but built to face whatever the Caithness coast throws at it.
We’re proud of this one. Not just because it looks the part, but because of what it stands for: solid planning, teamwork, and the quiet skill that runs through every joint and seam.
