Designating the Lappan farm buildings, Dunbeath

Overview

We are proposing to list The Lappan farm buildings, Toremore, Dunbeath - a traditional farm complex predominantly dating from around the mid-19^th century but which likely contains some earlier fabric. It comprises a farmhouse with a detached steading range and outbuilding that together form a U-plan courtyard. Other ancillary features include a kailyard, mill pond and mill lade. The complex is located on the east coast of Caithness, on high farmland overlooking the Moray Firth.

The Lappan is a typical example of an Improvement-period farmhouse and steading complex in the Highland region, that is notable for the survival of much of its 19^th century character and form. It demonstrates a range of vernacular building techniques and materials characteristic of the Caithness region, some of which are specific to this parish. It has retained the historic character of its rural landscape setting and forms part of a modest but coherent group of traditional agricultural buildings. Traditional small scale agricultural complexes survive in large numbers across Scotland but the extent of survival at The Lappan, particularly the interior, is exceptionally rare.

We are now gathering views on our proposal to list this building at category B.

Read more about why we think The Lappan meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling.

The Lappan farm buildings, looking north © HES

How we designate listed buildings

We list buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A dedicated team researches and assesses all designation applications.

• Watch our video about how we list buildings
• Find out more about listed buildings in the Advice and Support section of the Historic Environment Scotland website.
• Read our Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Why your views matter

We’d love to know whether you agree with our proposal.

To help you respond to the following survey, please read why we think The Lappan meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling.

You can tell us if you agree with our proposal by completing the short questionnaire below.

This questionnaire usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Find out what comments we consider and what happens next in our consultation guide or watch our designations video on YouTube.

You can also watch a version of this video in British Sign Language.