The blackhouse is a traditional type of dwelling which used to be common in Highland Scotland. Construction was usually a thick, dry-stone wall, insulated on the inside with earth. The wooden rafters known as the “roof tree” supported a covering of turf, thatch or heather. The roof was held in place by ropes tied to large stones resting on the tops of the walls. The floor was either flagstones or packed earth. There was a central hearth for the fire but there was no chimney, instead the smoke made its way up through the roof thatching.

This painting in acrylics was inspired by the blackhouse model by Stuart Fellowes. For more information on his models please see his website at http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/stuartfellowes