Country diary from Glenisla, Angus

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 17, 2026

During restoration of a thatched roundhouse in Angus, Scotland, pine martens were identified as the unlikely cause of a distinctive hole in the roof's mossy thatch. The use of locally sourced water reed for repairs supports regional wildlife conservation and may reduce future damage from such animals.

In a remote glen south of the Cairngorms in Angus, Scotland, a rare instance of wildlife interference with traditional roofing has been documented during restoration work on a thatched roundhouse. The roof, aged and layered with moss and lichen, revealed an unusual 10-inch-wide hole at its center, marked by distinctive tooth impressions on the reed material. The damage did not penetrate the entire roof, indicating the animal abandoned its attempt to burrow further.

Pam Aitchison, the property owner, identified the likely culprit as a pine marten, a member of the mustelid family. While squirrels, rats, and jackdaws are more commonly known to cause wear and damage to thatched roofs, pine martens are less frequently associated with such behavior. Aitchison had previously fed the animal peanut butter and jam sandwiches but ceased the practice out of concern for the structural integrity of the roof.

Local resident Bruce, a semi-retired plumber living nearby, confirmed the presence of pine martens in the area, noting that a pair had nested in the roof of his garage for several summers. He ultimately chose not to pursue aggressive exclusion methods, acknowledging the animals’ ability to squeeze through tight spaces and expressing acceptance of their search for shelter.

The current restoration employs tightly packed bundles of water reed sourced from Tayside, just down the road. Unlike much thatching reed in the UK, which is imported from abroad, this reed comes from Britain’s largest continuous reedbed—an 11-mile stretch of Phragmites planted during the early 19th century. Originally established as a flood defense, the reedbed is now managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and supports significant populations of native wildlife, including bearded tits, marsh harriers, and water rails.

The choice of locally harvested water reed not only supports regional conservation efforts but may also offer a less appealing surface for animals like pine martens compared to older, softer thatch. The ongoing repairs aim to preserve the traditional roofing while mitigating future animal-related damage in this ecologically rich environment.

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