Blog
A Scottish stone revival? Considering a comeback for Scottish stone production
Thursday 20 August 2026
Scottish stone was once used in high status buildings all over the world, including the Vatican. Today, lost quarries scatter the landscape. Re-opening them could bring benefits to Scotland's buildings and people.
Craft Fellows and Apprentices share their #NoWrongPath stories
Tuesday 4 August 2026
Heritage Science Modern Apprentice, Jennifer Duncan, and Craft Fellow, Benjamin Torrens-Spence, share their career journeys so far.
In search of Angus flagstone roofs: a rare and distinctive Scottish tradition
Thursday 23 July 2026
Flagstone roofs are rare in the UK, but in one area on the East Coast of Scotland flagstone has been used on roofs for over 500 years. We went on a mission to find out how many flagstone roofs are left in Angus and what the future might look for these precious pieces of local heritage.
The tools and techniques of traditional ship caulking
Thursday 2 July 2026
Craft Fellow Rowan Duffy shares a brief history and the process of one of the oldest maritime craft techniques – caulking.
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.
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