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Tag: traditional building materials

A quarry that is no longer in use, some of it is covered with grass and part of it is filled in with water. There is a small village in the background.
Materials

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.

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.

A very large, free-standing screen inside the Engine Shed main space. In front of the screen, someone is standing speaking at a large lectern.
Materials

4 Key Takeaways from Our 2024 Lime Finishes Summit

Monday 30 September 2024

Thanks to recent research, we are re-discovering some of the historic applications of lime in buildings, and learning how we can use lime in the modern world. Discover four key takeaways about this from our ‘What’s the Point?’ lime finishes summit.

A traditional cottage, with two windows on the ground floor and two dormer windows in the roof. There are other cottages in the background surrounded by farmland.
Homeowners

How to look after your traditional building, so that it can look after you

Thursday 9 November 2023

Looking after traditional buildings needn’t be a complicated burden. Their long lives are testament to their quality of build, suitability...

Two people working with squares of turf
Materials

Tour the quarries and fields that built Scotland, and could help us reach a low carbon future

Tuesday 2 November 2021

Join us on a virtual tour to find out more about Scotland's historic building materials, where they come from, what they have been used for, and ways they can help us build a sustainable future.

Two people passing straw between themselves
Materials

Down to Earth: Scotland’s Earth Building Past and Future

Wednesday 21 April 2021

When thinking about Scotland’s historic places, stone might be the first ancient building material that comes to mind. Scotland’s traditional...

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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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