Ballinakill House Gate Lodge, Clachan

Scottish style. 1 storey. Harled; gabled and piended slate roofs. Crow-step gablets over windows; ball finials. Ornamental chimneys. (Historic Scotland)

June 1990: External inspection reveals the lodge to be vacant and in poor condition, having been last occupied about 6 years ago. Permissions are being sought by the owners for alterations and extensions to Ballinakill House itself. SCT welcomes the application, noting the high standard of restoration to date. SCT understands that the owners also wish to restore the estate buildings in the future, and so would not wish to sell the lodge. August 1996: West Kintyre Community Council expresses concern at the condition of the lodge. October 1996: Local planners report that they are to contact the owners to press for repairs to the lodge. June 1997: Local planners report that the owner still does not wish to sell. January 1998: The owner reports that he would now be willing to consider offers for the property. August 1999: Local planners report that the lodge is being considered for the National Trust of Scotland's Little Houses Improvement Scheme. February 2000: External inspection reveals that several windows have been broken, with others boarded up. There is some slate slippage, allowing water to ingress into the porch. The downpipes are blocked. January 2001: The owner reiterates his wish to sell the property. October 2003: External inspection reveals no change. May 2006: local planners report that they may consider serving a repairs notice. September 2006: Owner reports no change

June 2009: A member of the public contacts SCT to advise that the property is suffering from water ingress and all windows/ frames are now missing.

November 2009: External inspection finds the cottage remains intact, but closer inspection show serious signs of decay.

26 July 2012: External inspection finds the roof is beginning to collapse. Though there are some signs internal works have been undertaken, no external work has been done. The building is not wind or water tight and is unsecured. A Dangerous Building Notice was served on the property in Nov 2011 ref: 11/00058/DSLB.

6 December 2018: External inspection finds this building in overall poor condition. Deterioration continues at pace. The lodge is suffering significantly from exposure to the elements and damp is evident. Roof is main cause for concern with areas showing signs of possible collapse, some slate and lead loss and vegetation growths. Rainwater goods are either blocked, missing or in need of repair.

30 May 2024: A member of the public advises that the roof has recently collapsed and the end gables are at risk of collapse.