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Tag: traditional building skills

A person wearing sunglasses and a checked shirt smiling while holding a large bunch of heather over their shoulder
Skills

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.

Three tall, narrow stained glass windows against a dark background. Each one features a tree against a colourful background.
Skills

Creating ‘The Red Forest’: a Gaelic stained glass commission in Glasgow

Thursday 3 October 2024

Stained Glass Craft Fellow Gordon Muir reveals how he was involved in the creation of six beautiful Gaelic windows for a theatre in Glasgow.

A group of people in high-visibility vests, working with hand tools on different projects in the grounds of an old brick and stone building.
Skills

An Insider’s Guide to the SPAB William Morris Craft Fellowship

Friday 23 August 2024

Jack Buchanan, stonemason and Assistant Works Manager at HES Dumbarton Castle Depot, shares a glimpse into his experience as a SPAB Fellow.

A drawing of a row of traditional cottages
Behind the Scenes

The importance of roots: Scotland’s built history

Tuesday 9 July 2019

What makes Scotland's traditional buildings so special? Engine Shed intern Marilyn explores Scotland's built heritage in this blog.

A person wearing white overalls shpaing mud by hand, wearing gloves
Conservation

4 great reasons to learn traditional building conservation skills

Thursday 16 May 2019

Whether you’re looking to kick-start a career in building conservation, or you’re a homeowner looking to care for your traditional home, here are 4 great reasons to learn about traditional building conservation.

Detailed stone carvings above a door on the White House featuring a garland and flowers
History

5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Scots Who Built the White House

Friday 22 February 2019

In the 1790s, a group of talented Scottish stonemasons undertook the difficult journey to America to help build one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Discover 5 things you didn’t know about the Scots who built the White House.

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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