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Tag: building materials

A row of lovely, well-kept traditional stone cottages with a flagstone roof
Materials

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.

Freshly cut reed beds viewed from above, looking down directly on to a tightly packed series of reeds, looking like bunched straws.
Materials

Thatching Reed: supporting buildings and nature

Thursday 31 August 2023

We caught up with RSPB Tayside Reserves Warden Vicky Turnbull to find out more about the Tay reedbeds and how they support both nature and building conservation.

A white stone cottage with a corrugated iron roof, in a countryside setting with hills in the background
Materials

Binding with earth: what we know about earth mortars in Scotland

Monday 5 December 2022

Building with earth mortar is a tradition that's over 5,000 years old. So why do we know so little about this material, and how to use it, today? Traditional Skills and Materials Project Manager, Graham Briggs, is here to help you find out more.

A person standing against a brick wall, holding a brick
Materials

How the Romans helped build Scotland

Friday 22 May 2020

The materials used in many of Scotland's traditional buildings can be traced back to the Romans. Discover how the Romans helped build Scotland.

A villiage in the countryside with traditional thatched buildings
Conservation

Thatch Detectives: Searching for Scotland’s Thatched Buildings

Wednesday 23 May 2018

It takes a lot of determination and a little detective work to survey Scotland’s hidden thatched buildings. Join our technical research team to find out how they’re uncovering a fascinating part of the country’s built heritage, straw by straw!

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.

  • Heritage Lottery Fund

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Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.

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