Progress

The following pictures show that real progress has been made on the New Observatory. They were taken by John Gilmour, from approximately the same position each week, looking southeast, away from the new Visitor Centre building.

Week 1: Before the very first hole is dug...

Week 2: Ground prepared and site fenced off

Week 3: Foundations laid and work begins above ground

Week 4: Concrete bases completed and left to cure

Week 5: Bases complete and ready for construction on the walls to begin

Week 6: Walls for Observing Station in place and preparations made for roof

Week 7: Roof in place!

Week 8: More progress - and a temporary moat!

Week 9: Work restarted after wet weather, and 'moat' filled in with rubble

Week 11: The fence surrounding the observing compound has appeared!

Week 14: We're getting there now!

With the building nearing completion, teams of volunteers have been going into the Observing Station and starting to get the area ready for human use! Recognise this fellow?

No, not even a face mask can conceal the instantly recognisable Maarten de Vries, seen here helping John Gilmour brush out the concrete dust from the Observing Station.

After this task was completed, the following weekend saw John joined by Pauline Macrae, and they were responsible for this - a fully cleaned and painted floor!

This snap is taken inside the observing compount, looking towards the raised platform on which the observatory dome and telescope will be seated!

More tasks are still to be undertaken, hopefully by other Society members. If you'd like to find out more about what is required, please click here to read an important message from Maarten.