Blog
How I became a Scottish thatcher
Tuesday 28 October 2025
Meet Troy Holt to discover how he found his way into thatching, what skills he has learned and why he is passionate about this critically endangered traditional craft skill.
How RdSAP 10.2 impacts Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessments in traditional buildings
Wednesday 1 October 2025
Energy performance certificates (EPCs) tell us how energy efficient our buildings are. The way they are generated has changed. Find out what recent changes mean for professionals and owners of traditional (pre-1919) buildings in Scotland.
Sheaves of stone – a new carving for an old steading
Monday 1 September 2025
A meticilous craft and a deep connection with the land. Craft Fellow Jack Handscombe races against nature to carve a wheat sheaf from stone.
How to pick heather for roof thatching
Wednesday 27 August 2025
In this blog Troy Holt, our former Thatching and Drystone Dyking Craft Fellow, shares a film about the little-known skill and explains how learning to pick heather might help Scottish thatching crafts thrive.
How I became a digital innovator for heritage
Friday 15 August 2025
Digital Innovation Trainee Catherine shares insights from her early career and how she learned skills to digitally capture our heritage.
Conserving windows: the rare art of stained glass conservation
Friday 8 August 2025
Few people in Scotland have the skills to maintain and repair stained glass windows. Learn more from an artist who is honing this rare skill.
Using science to understand an archaeological object: the Dumbarton Cross Pendant
Wednesday 9 July 2025
When we used scientific techniques on a small cross found at Dumbarton Castle, we discovered the cross might not be as old as we thought. Find out how we're using science to learn about archaeological objects and how, sometimes, we're left with more questions than answers.
Thank you
The Engine Shed is accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and National Open College Network (NOCN). The Engine Shed was supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to share knowledge of traditional building materials, develop skills and raise standards in conservation for traditional buildings.
Information
Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.
© Historic Environment Scotland - Scottish Charity No. SC045925