Blog
Key insights from studying Scotland’s standing stones
Thursday 12 March 2026
Standing stones are some of Scotland's most evocative historic places and many mysteries still surround them. Find out how our standing stone survey is helping us understand them.
Scottish stone makes a clean sweep for Olympic Curling
Tuesday 10 February 2026
There is only one quarry in the world that makes all the curling stones used in the Winter Olympics, and it's in Scotland. Discover the history of curling and the mighty Scottish stone that's one of the stars of the sport.
Poetry from concrete: Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture
Tuesday 16 December 2025
Mighty, creative and sometimes controversial, concrete structures are important part of our heritage. Explore Scotland's early and 20th century concrete buildings.
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.
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