Our Scottish Highlands Renovation Project 

Get some peppermint essential oil, mix with warm water and spray around. Mice and spiders both hate peppermint.

A good reason to get yourself a metal detector now Shaun.

The house is going to look really cool when its done

I absolutely love old houses! Unfortunately here they prefer to demolish the beautiful graceful old homes and replace them with modern monstrosities. I'm looking forward to watching the restoration!

Wow, the aerial shots are great! The house is big! Hoping your Dad can get a roof on it. Now I see why Scotland is the land of water! Rain! All that future whiskey! Sure enough, it's a big project! Thanks for sharing Shaun! I hope you didn't get any spider visitors in the night🕸️ or any ghosts! Stay safe!

It was a skate. Back in the day skates attached to your regular shoes using a leather strap.

As an American watching this I love to see the beautiful country. However, I have anxiety watching this since you’re driving on the opposite side of road than we do and I keep feeling like you’re gonna crash. Lol. But I hope to visit such a beautiful countryside some day and show you what a nice American is like. No yelling and being a jerk. Just being thankful and kind.

I laughed when you asked your Dad if the floor in the barn was safe and he said “I don’t know” and proceeded to jump up and down! My heart belongs in the Highlands and I am looking forward to seeing how the renovation goes.

What you found outside is a old style roller skate. They were strapped directly to your shoes and off you go. I had a new pair when I was a kid. (Yeah, I'm old)

What a beautiful home and property! So much history. Loved the trip there. Such beautiful scenery. Wish my husband could come and help your father. He is a master carpenter and cabinetmaker. He does beautiful work and is in high demand in the area. Best of luck to your parents. It is a stunning property! Enjoy your stay. God bless.

The highlands remind me of Western NC where I live. It is my husband’s and my bucket list to go there. 🥰

I've been to Scotland this year from August to October and then drive down to England for the rest of October and the colours of the trees in South England were just soooo beautiful. There were still a lot of leaves on the trees and they had every colour except for green. It was like a dream driving on roads through the forests.

It will take a bit of work, but it is mostly a money issue. I guess from a carpenter's perspective, it is just an issue of materials. I look at things a bit differently, knowing how to do the jobs. To me this is an exceedingly exciting purchase.

God, I wish I was there with you. My ancestors came from Scotland. I have read so much history. Haven't visited yet. My ancestors were Blairs. Scotland is beautiful 😍 Love from Alabama

Take it's from an old guy,. That bike is from the early-to-mid-'80s, not the '20s, ye wee barra! 🐂

I am really looking forward to this. Please post something from here as often as you can. Here in America we love renovation shows. I even watch the restoration ones from England of the trust houses.🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

I live in the hills of Snowdonia, about 6 miles as the crow flies from the Menai bridge!

I have heard of Thomas Telford. I probably heard about him from my Dad who emigrated to Western Australia in 1951 from Scotland, so I feel like I cheated a bit. I learnt quite a lot about Scotland from Dad as he was a keen history buff and who also enjoyed reading. Your parents have taken on a huge task there and I'm looking forward to following their journey. Thanks Shaun.

Your Dad must make good money because I know things are much more expensive there than here in Texas and that house is a good size!

Another wonderful video Shaun. I loved the aerial shots. Scotland is a beautiful place!

I recognize Thomas Telford's name from my Oct 2019 visit to Ft Augustus. He built the Caledonian Canal.

Sorry to disappoint, but I've never heard of Thomas Telford, here in Canada. However, given the fact that you're excited about being in a house associated with him is great! It's an interesting looking house and I look forward to following the journey of it being refurbished.🇨🇦

It was a little scary seeing your Dad jumping on that sketchy floor.

Seen from the top, the house is huge! - the nature surrounding it, is gorgeous ...so a plan? Getting up early, sitting quiet as a mouse, waiting for the deer to come 💚 Big undertaking, but a really exciting project! Here in Denmark, we know about Thomas Telford..Danish Bridge Management System, DANBRO - neighbor countries and all that 😉

After seeing this video, going to the Highlands is on my bucket list

Haven't heard of Thomas Telford here in Melbourne Australia. Although there is a Telford Drv/Ave in the next suburb to me. What a gorgeous old home. I cannot wait to follow this fabulous journey.

If I don't die in a 200 year old Scottish house as an old crone I'm going to be SO upset.

OMG! What a project! Your parents have a lot more ambition than I ever could! I live in a house built in 1867, in NY State, but it’s been lived in continuously. My family has owned it for 95 years, but I can tell you, something always going wrong! Good luck to your family! Your fall colors are about a little past where ours are here in the Hudson Valley. A beautiful time of year. Well, this pandemic put the kaybosch on our coming to Scotland this year, but we have plans to return in July. We were there in October 2018, 2019, and I feel like it is my spiritual home. So glad you were able to return to Edinburgh, my favorite city in the world. Best of luck!

I cannot wait to see how this project turns out! How exciting!! Beautiful piece of history and property. Please keep us updated.

Why Scotland speaks to my soul in every way. 😍🙌❣️

I feel like I had heard the name Thomas Tellford but I couldn’t have told you why or where or when (I’m from California). I love DIY and learning new skills, and watching projects like this! This year I discovered and binge-watched the channels Doing It Ourselves and The Chateau Diaries, both of which are Brits who are living in and restoring old chateaus in the French countryside, and it’s AMAZING. Shaun, I hope you feature this project lots and that your parents agree to feature on the channel! I can’t wait to see the progress!

Wow that’s going to be a lot of work. I admire people who take on projects like this.

What a wonderful project! I've been dreaming of the day I can bring my daughters to visit the Highlands. Beautiful drone shots of the area! Best of luck on this great build!

Thanks for the memories Shaun; grew up and schooled in Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and Edinburgh. Miss Scotland so very much! Stay safe pal! Oh the Highlands...

What a beautiful property and house with so much character. That looks like quite a project! I love the sound of the brook in the background. So cool.

So glad to know what happened with your Mom and Dad - thanks to George, too!! I love the new house ... just have to tell you how strange it feels to drive on the left!!! I panic when I see trucks in the other lane ... we drive on the right in America! LOL

I love it , would love to take on a project like that . If you want to find real treasure ? I'm assuming that there will be an old outhouse ? Or where there was likely to be one ,that is where to dig . You'll find coins old bottles perhaps jewelry ,who knows , anything gross will be long washed away or composted . It's on old treasure hunters history book down there 😃

This is going to be a lot of fun to see evolve. Those old homes are a treasure to restore.

What a beautiful house. So much character and charm. Love the sound of the River 💕. Much luck to your family on taking on this project 👍🏼 I can only imagine how beautiful it will look at the end.

Thomas Telford sounds like a highly skilled, intelligent Scotsman. Makes you want to say "Wha's like us?" I am a life long resident of the U S. However, I have travelled to the U K more than once. I have even bought a tea towel once with the slogan "Wha's like us?" slogan as a tourist souvenir.

Yes, we crossed that bridge several times while on a visit to Wales, from Bangor to visit Anglesey. The Menai Strait is a fascinating strip of water and was a challenge to bridge.

I’m in the US and heard of Thomas - but only because I’m addicted to narrowboat videos. 😄

That house is going to be amazing when it's done. The surrounding land is gorgeous! So peaceful too.

There is so much about those breathtaking scenes that remind me of the wilds on northern Minnesota. No lichen, of course, but I felt like I was spending a weekend at the cabin "up north" here. Since I haven't had the opportunity to do that in a couple years, it was a rush of peaceful energy to see in your video. If you ever make it to the midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin) make sure you take a journey north. Especially in the fall.

So looking forward to seeing the renovations and discovering the hidden treasures.

Amazing undertaking! It will be exciting to watch the transformation from decay to oppulence! What a great place to just chill! Thanks for sharing.....

Wow! The Highlands are beautiful! I love the sights and sounds of this video - well done Shaun.

We definitely have heard of Thomas Telford here in New Zealand Shaun, there is a training institution south of here named after him . Huge job ahead but well done to your parents and Godfather for taking the challenge 👍

Sure, I have heard of Thomas Tel ford! He did the Pontcyslite (sic) Aqua duct, several of the long canal tunnels including one that no one else could figure out and even now they call it a technological marvel. I wish I could remember which one! I am in the states, btw. That is a fantastic looking property! And the size of the house makes the barn look like a lawn shed. You are going to find some fantastic stuff doing the renovation. Tell me again the connection of the house and Thomas Related?

Looks like my DIY nightmare in Oklahoma after the layoffs in Georgia. It was a Church and a schoolhouse, Owners ran off when I had only $400 left to pay! That's just how they do,

It's lovely to see the golden leaves as we've had a hard freeze in Santa Fe, now, and all but the evergreens have gone brown. I'm also happy we didn't see anyone go through the floor today. I've done it. Not fun! Thanks for the tour and history lesson!

Definitely interested in seeing the house as it progresses. Thanks for sharing.

Motor cycle trip this year ferry across from mull to Lochaline did route moidart not done before.. have done route to lighthouse lovely area... best of luck with refurb too you all cheers frm dave

Shaun, wow! I have never heard of Thomas Telford, but it is awesome your parents are taking on this huge renovation of one of his buildings. I wish all the best, and look forward to the updates on the repairs!

hi, i'm Thomas, i'm french and i love scotland and your videos. i hope travel to your beautiful country soon.

I was SO nervous when you guys got to the top of those stairs! 💙 I've never heard of Thomas Tilford, but it's gonna be an AMAZING house when it's done!!!

We love seeing homes being renovated. Some people, in the states, renovate mansions that are either abandoned projects or just old.

Thank you for sharing those beautiful autumn colours! We haven't had much of an autumn this year. Your parents have taken on quite a project! It'll be so beautiful, nestled there in the highlands.

Wow! Lovely...itll be stunning when its finished! Cant wait to see it progress. It makes me feel SO proud and privileged to have been born Scottish when I see the scenery! What an amazing magical country we're from! 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I also went to Telford College..... btw, I'm a hibbie and so are all my family...sorry, Shaun! Lol 😂

So exciting! Good luck to your mom n dad! It’s got so much potential!

Ah, this is bringing back wonderful memories of our visit in June 2019...2 weeks in the highlands!

The drive up was just stunning! I love how glorious the Autumnal colors look against a crisp blue sky!!!😍❤🍂🧡🍁💛🌞💙

I’ve watched Roamin Scott! I do love UK restoration projects & admire the people that take them on!

During my first trip to Scotland, the group I was with worked on a "castle" near Crieff. It was a lot of fun, even though it was dusty at times. But, due to the damp climate, there was a lot of mold to contend with. I was wondering how you deal with mold. One day I hope to come back. I had such a lovely time. The thing that made my trip enjoyable was all the wonderful people I met as I toured about. I wore a top hat, and i was in one little pub and some gentleman wanted to trade hats with me. I kept my hat. but we did get pictures with them wearing it. They even bought me a Tennent's.

I believe the word you were looking for was disrepair. Your parents have bought themselves quite a job! I'm sure it will be beautiful!

Shaun , I’ don’t remember Thomas Telford but i’ sure I learned about him is school. I may have to to do some research and see what I know about him. By the way, brilliant vlog and Georgous scenery

The skates and bike were probably made in my lifetime, well almost anyway on the skates and I'm 64. 😁

I'm in the US and was not familiar with Thomas Telford before you mentioned him. Thanks for the introduction. You learn something new every day. Thanks also for showing us the beautiful Highlands and sharing your parent's house project with us,

This place is amazing!!! Bless your family for restoring it. Houses aren't built like this anymore, and it would be a crime to let this one go. I'll be cheering you on from the US!

Beautiful scenery!!

When you bring them a home warming gift give them a cat or two. lol..

My mom and dad used to do this with homes. I can remember many a night scraping linoleum off the floor or holding up dry wall and mudding and sanding. I love old homes and this one is going to be beautiful when it's done. As for the mice are you sure they are not rats? What you need is a really good rat terrier. My Jack would have had that place clean of any mice in no time flat, and as for the spiders, you need some good garden black runners. Here in Florida they eat the spiders and the other insects, before they even have a chance to get in the house. I am sad to say I have never heard of this architect, but I am sure there are many American architects that you are not aware of. I love learning about different places in the world: their history, stories, food, farming methods, how their people lived in the past. The aerial views were a great way to show the layout of the house and land. Now, I want to go for a walk in the woods. When coronavirus is over, or more controlled, I would love to come and stay in that B and B.

Feels like I have a friend when I watch these videos

I love Ardnamurchan - a beautiful part of the country. I had 2 Dutch friends with me the last time I was there.

The drive to the Highlands reminds me of Appalachia and my little corner of the world. Perhaps that is why so many Scots-Irish settled here.

Beautiful countryside. Reminds me of the North Carolina mountains. I love flipping houses but that is one massive project.

Wow! This is going to be great! I have heard of Telford, (am Australian) but that's because I am an architecture/restoration nut! But it's the garden that draws me, that beautiful soil, the trees, the moss that means plenty of rain.Good luck to the family as the journey begins. As to the mice and spiders, you know a cat will sort both those problems, and a good 'smudging' should solve any ghostly problems. It's the living,not the dead, who can be the scariest. Enjoy your treasure!

Great history of the place and well worth restoring. Just remember, ghosts won't hurt us, but spiders will make me hurt myself! Looking forward to the finished product.

Thank you Shaun. I don’t know if I will ever get to visit the homelands of my ancestors, but because of you I at least get to see it.

We saw a bridge built by Telford while on a trip to Scotland in 2015. I have a picture of me standing on it. Beautiful stonework.

I’m a residential/commercial draftsman/designer in Arizona, I’ve never heard of Thomas Telford, but will be researching him. It’s fascinating to see and witness a renovation in Scotland. I wonder what kind of moisture sealants you use in Scotland, and what, if any forest fire codes, historical codes are in place?

🙏💜🙏 A listed, Thomas Telford Manse restoration project!!! Please kind Sir, continue to live out your dreams.🙏🇺🇸

What a fantastic vlog and an amazing project your parents have undertaken! Here in the U.S., we call it property “flipping”...buying a place and refurbishing it for resale. But houses that old and historic are very few and far between here. I’m afraid I’ve never heard of Thomas Telford, but what a wonderful history that place has! Thank you for the explanation of the term “manse”. I didn’t know the meaning when I came across the word in the “Outlander” book series, but now it makes sense. Here, we call a home provided by the church for the pastor or minister a “ parsonage” ( in protestant churches) or a “rectory” (in the Catholic Church). I always learn so much in your videos, Shaun. I look forward to watching your parent’s progress on their incredible project!

I really admire the ambition of you and your dad. That place needs a LOT of work. I would see it and just think it needs to be torn down. I can't wait to see what you guys do with it.

Florida, USA here..love your videos of Scotland! Damn this Covid-19, want so much to re-visit your wonderful country again!

Wow how fortunate to have a Thomas Telford home . Greetings from Australia

Rangers!!! Lived in Glasgow years ago now. So good to hear the Scottish voice again! 🍁 🇨🇦

this place will be so beautiful when its all done ! the Scottish highlands

I'm from Kansas, USA and YES, I know of Thomas Telford :-) Our Scottish guide, 5 years ago, told us all about him and we saw his works, too. So cool :-)

Cool picture of you, shawn! Brawny highlander flavor to it!!!

tried to post a comment before, but had some technical difficulty, probably from being old and stupid. Started watching your videos to learn more about my heritage. My granny was born in 1900 in Dunfermline. Her maiden name was Pitcairn. Anyway, she told us stories of things that happened as she was growing up (still trying to find out what "kiltie boys" really meant, but like learning as much as I can). My father was in the military and we brought her back in '63, and what I remember of it was amazing. She met my grandfather in a park in Dunfermline (Lord, Christine, dinna look now but here come the two tallest Yanks I've ever seen..." and the rest is history

Omg. This is the coolest house! You will find so many amazing things and i would bet money if i had any to spare that there is a ghost or two in this place! I grew up in a farmhouse close to the same age as this one. We played in a barn all the time and the whole place was surrounded by lots of huge trees (covered with lichen lol) that shaded all the out buildings. This place feels like home and it makes me so happy that your family is fixing it up! It deserves to be whole again.

Yaeee, cant wait to see new episodes of your renovations👍

The house is huge. What an undertaking! Good luck to all.

Hello from Washington State! Oh I’m excited for your mom and dad and you too!!! I LOVE the stone work!! And even the barn.... I’d love to explore to find interesting things left behind. Like that old bike and the one roller skate you found!! If only walls could talk! They could tell us all about what life was like oh sooooo many years ago!! I love the in sight your mom n Dad have!! I’ll be really looking forward to future vlogs about the progress!!! I’m now educated on Thomas Tillman now and will remember his name and accomplishments!! Living in America and on the West coast.... we don’t have the history Like yours in Scotland and the UK! It fascinates me to no end to watch your vlogs and show us the history!! Thank you my friend for a great vlog!! Till next time...... Bye for now Kathy 😎

When he showed the drive there and the first car came around ‘the wrong way’ I yelped than recalled they drive on the left and not the right as in the states!

Cheers Shaun, thanks for the great video.☮️🇨🇦

It's on my bucket list to come to Scotland and take a motorcycle trip. So many great friends I have of Scot heritage here in the states. You can definitely see the Scotish heritage influence here in the Southern US.

Lovely lovely place. My great grandma was born in Turniff, Aberdeenshire and my Great Grandpa was born in Moray. I look forward to discovering new places

What a beautiful drive. Thank you for sharing.