Edinburgh windows and doors - Featured on Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel
5th of January, 2026
Turning the Tides: The Timber Window Transformation on Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel
Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel, the new BBC Scotland series premiering in early 2026, follows interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband Ro Christopher as they take on one of their most ambitious projects yet: restoring a derelict Georgian mansion on the remote Isle of Ulva into a boutique hotel and island community hub. The Scottish Sun+1
But while the dramatic scenery and human story draw viewers in, the renovation also highlights the finer details of traditional craftsmanship — especially when it comes to windows.
Why Timber Windows Matter on Ulva House
Restoring a period property like Ulva House isn’t just about knocking down walls and repainting rooms. It’s about respecting architectural heritage while bringing a building up to modern standards. One of the most visually and functionally significant parts of that balance? Timber sash and case windows.
These are classic windows where one or more moveable panels (known as sashes) slide vertically within the frame. They define the look of Georgian and Victorian buildings and are essential in maintaining the historical character of a restoration project. Homebuilding
The Art of Fitting Timber Sash & Case Windows
Fitting traditional timber sash and case windows — especially on a large renovation like a hotel — is a blend of heritage joinery and meticulous installation.
1. Start With Precision Joinery
Before installation can begin, each window must be crafted to exact measurements. Timber joiners work from custom templates to ensure that every sash and frame fits the existing opening perfectly. Traditional joints and profiles are painstakingly crafted, preserving the classic details that define historic architecture. TJ Ross
2. Match Old With New
While the look of the windows aims to stay true to history, modern performance matters — especially for a building being used year-round. That means double-glazed units set within traditional timber frames, offering better thermal efficiency and comfort for hotel guests without compromising the visual heritage of the windows. TJ Ross
3. Fitting Windows on a Remote Island Isn’t Simple
Imagine logging supplies and materials not through a hardware store, but by private ferry across tidal waters. That’s exactly what Banjo and Ro are doing on Ulva, with every window component needing careful transport before it’s installed. Fitting teams must also contend with wind, salt spray, uneven masonry, and limited access, making the job as much a logistical challenge as a carpentry one. The Scottish Sun
4. Installation Is Craft and Patience
Once on site, install teams:
-
Check and level the masonry opening so the window sits squarely and safely.
-
Adjust timber linings and beads to ensure sash movement is smooth and draughts are minimised.
-
Fit high-quality hardware — pulleys, sash fasteners, spiral balances or traditional cords — depending on design preferences. TJ Ross
A job done well not only enhances the look of the building but improves weather performance and energy efficiency, crucial in the Hebridean climate.
A Story of Heritage and Heart
Beyond the craft, Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel is a reminder that restorations are about people and place. While Banjo and Ro dream big — turning a crumbling mansion into a seven-bedroom luxury hotel — the real reward is preserving Ulva’s architectural legacy and giving its community new life. The Scottish Sun
Timber sash and case windows are just one detail in this massive project, but they exemplify the careful blend of tradition and innovation essential in respectful restoration — a theme that makes this BBC series both inspiring and practical for anyone interested in historic renovation.