2017 INFORMING THE CONSERVATION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT www.historicenvironment.scot

Partnership Focusing on delivery

CONSERVATION. TECHNICAL RESEARCH . TRADITIONAL SKILLS. Ensuring a stable, sustainable How detailing can make Craft Fellowships produce future for Stirling Castle and buildings more resilient to Orkney’s next-generation Ring of Brodgar climate change boat builder and miller Contents

In brief 4 The big picture 8 Our year in numbers 55

Engine Shed All systems go for opening 10 New qualification to build conservation skills 12

Conservation Rock solid in Edinburgh 13 Making Stirling Castle stable and sustainable 14 Repairing a path well trodden 16 Condition survey for royal portraits 18 A technician through time 19 30 Education: Conservation Summer School Digital documentation Pioneering automation in digital surveys 20 A digital intern’s year 21

Climate change Ambitious plans to shrink carbon footprint 22

Technical research Restoring a century-old hydro scheme 23 Adapting to a changing climate 24

Industrial heritage Watt’s the story 26

Collections Science sheds light on castle harp 27 36 Focus on partnerships: Viking hoard discovery in Galloway Traditional skills New hands for traditional crafts 28

Education 50 Summer School’s a stepping stone 30 Focus on partnerships: Antonine Wall digital heritage initiative

FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS Introduction 32 Partnerships in brief 34 Striking Viking gold in Galloway 36 Turf trial is a team effort 38 Climate change: collaboration is our first defence 40 Coastal heritage on the edge 42 A borrower and lender be 43 Hand in hand with communities 44 Teaming up on thermal improvements 46 Making Europe’s historic cities more energy efficient 47 Surveying Scotland’s thatched buildings 48 Bringing the Antonine Wall to life 50 Salvaging a Glasgow icon 52 Craft skills taster events go local 54

2 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 10 Engine Shed: Welcome Ready for opening

elcome to Focus 2017. This magazine began as a technical publications catalogue over a decade ago, and has evolved year on year to become a place where weW at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) share our research and technical conservation work with others, and increasingly to highlight the work of our partners in the sector. Of course, 2017 is also a special one for all of us working in the heritage sector, as it marks Scotland’s DR DAVID MITCHELL Director of Conservation Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. This is a great [email protected] opportunity to shine a spotlight on all the different ways that heritage engages with people and we have a packed programme of activities taking place during the year. This publication is an opportunity to showcase some of the work we do, to introduce our teams across the country, to put some faces to names and stimulate further collaboration – that’s why mugshots (even the scary ones!) and email contacts appear beside every article. Many people do follow up with our staff directly, and we continue to build and evolve our network. This magazine is shared across the world and is a reminder of our role as part of an international heritage community and of the vibrancy of our sector in Scotland. 18 This year’s issue focuses on partnership working – an Conservation: increasingly important aspect of our work. We take a Dumbarton Castle’s paintings look at some of our more recent partnership projects, from conserving the largest Viking hoard discovery in Scotland to tackling the aftermath of the devastating fire Editors at Glasgow School of Art. We also see how community Katie Carter and Ewan Hyslop collaborations have been the drivers behind Registered Address: conservation work on our estate. We hear from our Historic Environment Scotland Longmore House climate change colleagues about how they are feeding Salisbury Place into adaptation planning for climate projections, an issue Edinburgh EH9 1SH that transcends sectors and borders. Historic Environment Scotland – We look back at some of the work we have been Scottish Charity No. SC045925 doing in 2016 and reveal some of our plans for the Produced for Historic Environment future, from carrying out essential works to maintain Scotland by: Think Publishing Ltd and improve visitor access at some of our largest sites – Suite 2.3 including Stirling and Edinburgh castles and the Ring of Red Tree Business Suites Brodgar – to planning the Engine Shed opening. 33 Dalmarnock Road Glasgow G40 4LA This year’s We also take a look at some of the technical skills that Telephone 0141 375 0504 issue focuses go into our conservation work: we hear from our Senior www.thinkpublishing.co.uk on partnership Technician and our Digital Intern on the intricacies of Editor Ida Maspero their professions, while our painting conservators take Design Tracey Radnall, Matthew Ball working – an us through the complexities of restoring historic Sub-editors Kirsty Fortune, increasingly paintings. We hear from the future generation of Sian Campbell conservation professionals, introducing our new HES- Group Account Director John Innes important [email protected] funded Craft Fellows in Orkney and finding out what aspect of some of our former Conservation Summer School While every care has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this our work students are doing now. publication, Historic Environment We hope you enjoy this year’s Focus and we look Scotland cannot be held responsible for forward to welcoming you to the Engine Shed this year. any errors or omissions. All images are Crown Copyright unless otherwise noted.

Front and back cover: Traditional woodworking at GalGael, Glasgow

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 3 IN BRIEF New Chief Executive for HES lex Paterson took during the Year of History, up his new role as Heritage and Archaeology. Chief Executive Alex said: “The historic Officer (CEO) of environment in Scotland attracts Historic 14.6 million visitors a year and AEnvironment Scotland (HES) in contributes in excess of £2.3 September. Alex, who was billion to the economy. This previously CEO at Highlands and themed year provides us with a Islands Enterprise, will be taking great stage to bring all the forward the continued roll-out of different elements that make up the organisation’s Corporate Plan Scotland’s rich, diverse historic and the development of a new environment to audiences like Business Plan to support the never before. It’s an exciting delivery of our role as Scotland’s prospect for the months ahead.” lead public heritage body. A key focus for 2017 will be to work with partners to highlight the wider contribution of Scotland’s historic environment

Collaboration in Rock stars heritage science he very first Historic modern and medieval influences; Historic Environment Scotland Environment third-year apprentice Megan (HES) continued to support Scotland (HES) Crawford’s ‘Lewis Chessman’; and collaboration in heritage science stone carving Edinburgh Castle Stonemason by hosting the annual business competition saw Jack Ogilvie’s ‘Rock person being meetings of the National Tour stonemasons and apprentice squashed into a mell’. Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) masons battling it out to design Showcasing unique designs and the Scottish Cultural and carve a grotesque to be and incredible skill, the Heritage Consortium (SCHC) featured at the Engine Shed. carvings will form part of the last year. The three winning entries Engine Shed’s interpretation, The meetings, held on the were Works Manager Lindsay with visitors having the same day, were followed by a Vaughan’s ‘Grotesque of two opportunity to laser scan the research summit that brought halves’, which showed both winning carving. together the organisations and other interested parties to discuss current research and the The results of HES’s inaugural future for heritage science. stone carving competition The summit gave HES PhD showed off their makers’ skill students an opportunity to and attention to detail showcase their work. Professor Ian Simpson from the University of Stirling gave a talk about interdisciplinary research, and the NHSF’s Nancy Bell talked about the ‘Filling the Gaps’ project to establish gaps in knowledge and techniques. The summit provided a stage for discussing the future priorities for heritage science research. Topics covered included the adaptation of traditional buildings to the consequences of climate change, a need for new ways of enthusing others about heritage and a shift in how research is translated into practice.

4 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT IN BRIEF HES progresses its Lights out for Earth Hour plans for the future In October 2015, Historic Environment istoric Environment including Edinburgh Castle, Linlithgow Scotland (HES) assumed responsibility of Scotland (HES) received Palace, Glasgow Cathedral and Castle managing the properties in the care of Scottish an award from Campbell. This commitment is part of ministers under a formal Scheme of Delegation. WWF Scotland in a wider agenda to drive behavioural “Following this, our focus in 2016 has been recognition of its changes within HES to ensure it is the development of our Asset Management Hdedication to tackling climate change a leading body in the transition to a Plan, a key tool to help us fulfill our obligations and reducing carbon emissions. low-carbon economy in Scotland. under the Scheme of Delegation,” said Head The Public Body Champion Award Celebrate WWF Earth Hour on of Estates Joann Russell. “The activities acknowledges HES’s continued Saturday 25 March 2017 at 8.30pm included in the plan will help us deliver our support of WWF Earth Hour. In 2016, by turning off the lights with us. operations more efficiently, with greater HES switched off the lights at 13 sites, www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour accountability and transparency. ”HES has developed a new digital condition survey capture, monitoring and reporting tool, a unique system to reflect the particular needs of properties in care (PIC). This has involved an update of digital survey information using the Monument Condition Indicator data. The Rae Project is also progressing, capturing digital scan data for sites and investigating how best building information modelling can be used within PICAMS, our PIC asset management system.“ Joann added: “We’ve developed a new climate change risk assessment methodology (see page 40) and published conservation standards for PIC. Our Resource Needs Assessment set out future conservation investment and resource requirements, which will be invaluable as we move forward. We have also developed a resource prioritisation matrix to articulate the conservation needs and opportunities within the wider HES Investment Plan.” Castle Campbell staff For more information, see A progress Lisa Daniels and Finlay report on the conservation and management Lumsden with the WWF of the properties in care of Scottish award and panda mascot Ministers at www.bit.ly/HESreport or email [email protected] Enjoy the best days ever… join us as a member

With more than 300 historic sites to visit Membership benefits include: throughout Scotland – from prehistoric • Free entry to all Historic Environment dwellings and stone circles to cathedrals, Scotland properties, including Edinburgh castles, distilleries and mills – membership and Stirling castles is the best way to discover 5,000 years • Free entry to over 400 daytime events of history. and activities all over Scotland quarterly magazine How to join • Free Historic Scotland membership is available • 20% discount in our shops on an annual or life basis. Paying by Direct • 20% discount on an annual gift Debit means that your annual membership membership can cost as little as £3.12 a month. • 10% discount in our cafés • Discounted entry to English Heritage, Sign up for membership at www. Experience Cadw and Manx National Heritage sites historicenvironment.scot/membership fun-filled By joining, you will be making an important family days out or call 0131 668 8999 for further information on joining. contribution to the preservation of Scotland’s with Historic built heritage for future generations. Scotland membership

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 5 IN BRIEF

The Insight Tour of Edinburgh Castle showcased energy-saving measures Spotlight on stone Stone specialists from around the world gathered in Paisley when the University of the West of Scotland hosted the 13th International Congress on the Deterioration and Conservation of Stone in 2015. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joined the international audience to discuss new research and share case studies from around the world. HES scientist Dr Clare Torney presented research on Edinburgh Castle’s restoration mortars, while stone conservator Christa Gerdwilker and conservation green credentials scientist Dr Maureen Young led a field trip to Skelmorlie Aisle. dinburgh Castle’s energy usage has wool insulation into loft spaces and To round off the conference, been drastically reduced over the encouraging changes in behaviour. HES Head of Sustainability, last few years despite the demands Members of the public went behind the Science and Research Dr of rising visitor numbers. From the scenes to see the changes during an Insight Ewan Hyslop presented a baseline figures of 2008–2009, Tour in November 2016. District Architect paper on the impact of science energy consumption has fallen by 29% and Bruce Chandler and members of the Climate E on conservation practice, with carbon emissions by 31%. Change Team showed people around the a focus on sandstone This was achieved through measures such energy-saving techniques applied at the castle. consolidation in the Scottish as replacing old boilers, switching to more See page 22 for more about HES action on built heritage. energy-efficient light bulbs, putting sheep’s carbon emissions

A seat fit for a queen

o mark her 90th birthday last year, Her Majesty the Queen was presented with a stone bench by First Minister TNicola Sturgeon carved by our very own HES stonemasons. Elgin-based stonemason Mark McCarther, Training Manager Graham Campbell and apprentice stonemason Charlotte Bough carved the bench from a single piece of Clashach sandstone hailing from one of the few remaining Scottish quarries. The timber for the seat came from the garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and it was built at St Anne’s Maltings Workshops First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, her husband Peter Murrell, Her Majesty the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Edinburgh. admire the sandstone bench

6 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT IN BRIEF Accolades for our apprentices

he high quality of the stonemasonry apprenticeship training HES provides at its training centres in Stirling and Elgin was showcased at the 2016 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Awards. TThree apprentices who trained at the Elgin centre – Gregor Alcorn, Scott Pierce and Ross Kennedy – won prizes at the awards. They, along with 75 other entrants from 10 different trades, competed in the CITB’s SkillBuild Final, held at Birmingham’s NEC Arena. Gregor, based in Shetland, won the gold for stonemasonry and Orkney-based Ross took home the bronze. The award for the Best Scottish and GB Apprentice also went to an Orkney stonemason apprentice from the Elgin training centre. Sophie Turner, who is in the fourth and final year of her apprenticeship, works for Orkney Council at St Magnus cathedral in Kirkwall. Elgin was crowned Best Masonry College in the UK Ross Kennedy at the and was awarded the Peter Ellis Shield for the second SkillBuild contest year in a row.

New short guide Carving out American links to thermography istoric held in Virginia by the mark this, Charles carved a One of the newest additions Environment US’s Preservation Trades bench from Scottish to the Historic Environment Scotland’s Network (PTN). sandstone as a lasting Scotland (HES) Short Guide (HES) Building PTN aims to bring memory of the event. series is Thermal Imaging in the Crafts together traditional trades HES has developed Historic Environment. HDevelopment Manager Ian practitioners who work in strong links with PTN over Thermal imaging is a non- Walker and Training the conservation of the the last 20 years and is destructive investigation Manager Charles Jones built environment to share hoping to host the 22nd technique that can be used on represented Scottish their skills and knowledge. event at the Engine Shed in traditional buildings to identify traditional crafts at the Its 2016 workshop also Stirling – set to be the first problems such as damp and heat International Preservation celebrated the network’s time PTN visits Scotland. loss. The guide gives an overview Trades Workshop 2016, 20th anniversary, and to www.ptn.org of where thermography can be usefully applied, along with a basic introduction on how to analyse and interpret the data. Our Short Guide series provides technical guidance and advice for practitioners, professionals and property owners on how to maintain and conserve traditional buildings. The guides are available to download from our website. www.engineshed.org 10

Short Guide thermal imaging in the historic environment

Training Manager Charles Jones with his specially carved bench THE BIG PICTURE

On authenticity and ruin lust Dr David Mitchell offers some personal thoughts on authenticity, urban explorers and the concept of ‘sweaty’ patina

xperiencing the authenticity as ‘a bit sweaty’. For McGregor pointed out detailing I authentic means those with knowledge, these – would have missed. We grabbed seeking out places not the over-restored examples our cameras and peeked inside. with integrity that lack – have the most value. Wear and The roof had mostly gone and it any kind of designed tear is good: it provides an was precarious in places, but it Epresentation. They prompt a unadulterated connection. had not been tampered with. As sense of discovery and the I had the pleasure of visiting the building dissolved back into excitement of exploration. For Knockando Woolmill in the landscape, it revealed its me, these places are often on Speyside prior to its restoration. secrets by literally turning inside the fringe of formally constituted The working life of Hugh the out. Walls crumbled, rafters and DR DAVID MITCHELL heritage – largely vernacular weaver hung in the air in the layers of cobbled-together Director of Conservation or industrial. The latter typical shambles of the wallpaper were exposed, a [email protected] (especially small-scale ‘human’ vernacular industrial enterprise: Singer sewing machine sat in the industrial) appeals to me the order books, oil cans and corner, rusty but defiant. because it reflects my life even the dirt on the windows. Another winter and this place experience and personal history. We all knew that the building may have been lost forever. It Objects fulfil this desire more would have to give up some of its was both sad and exciting. We easily. The term ‘barn fresh’ sense of place to survive. It did, found something remarkable – wonderfully describes objects - and although the project team we photographed it and, in some often industrial and very often took great care, some of that tiny way, we saved it from an automotive - that wear their essence was inevitably lost. undignified death. Our Above: Exploring derelict, patina honestly. On the TV In the Hebrides, I stopped by photographs will end up in the cavernous spaces beneath programme ‘American Pickers’, the ruin of an old croft and my archive, online or in books – the Central Station in Glasgow Mike Wolfe describes this knowledgeable colleague Chris good ones will capture a sense of

8 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT THE BIG PICTURE

place and in their processing we Visitors seem to react very in the landscape so often seen will attempt to invoke that sense positively. We know that in Victorian litho plates – in presentation. tourists are generally seeking tumbling ruins with tangled I am fascinated by urban more authentic experiences vegetation. This, of course, is explorers, who seek out the and are now better informed also part of their story. past and connect with than ever. We sell our So what does this mean for dereliction. Their code of honour authenticity to them as our the properties in our care? Our requires them to enter without country’s core offer, yet traditions of presentation have force and take nothing but sometimes we are still peddling been formed over several photographs as trophies. Their Brigadoon – thankfully much hundred years, the result of the photos capture the essence of less than before. amateur antiquarian, the over- place, but also prove they have Adopting such a philosophy exuberant architect or been there. Like the sketch of the with places that have not been archaeologist, and the Ministry historic explorer in far-flung subject to intervention is man who tried to combine the lands, the ‘urbex’ devotee entirely desirable. What about romantic ruin with the records their discovery in pixels. those places that have many, Victorian approach to parkland Ruin lust is not a new concept – even hundreds of years’ worth – manicured to within an inch the sketcher has been replaced of change and intervention – of its life. by the digital photographer. not all of it good? Many The crunch of gravel, the ‘Conserve as found’ has properties in state care have cast-metal signs of the Royal become more common over been manicured to present a Label Factory and the heavy, the past decade or so. The romanticised version of a ruin bronze handrails are now an work at Newhailes House intrinsic part of the story, but outside Edinburgh pushed the they can present a confusing concept hard and is well worth There is no fiction picture. A Pictish carved stone, a visit. These places have an presented simply, remains a Above left: Finzean Bucket entirely different feel – the here, no sanitisation. powerful symbol. It continues a Mill in Aberdeenshire sense of time travel is acute. physical connection to a place You feel like a voyeur Above: The ‘shambles There is no fiction here, no that prompts us to consider that in some high-quality of vernacular industrial sanitisation. You feel like a timeline. The challenge we all enterprise’ at Knockando voyeur in some high-quality virtual reality face is in considering where we Woolmill prior to its virtual reality experience. experience go from here. restoration

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 9 ENGINE SHED All systems go for opening The Engine Shed Team introduces Scotland’s new dedicated building conservation centre based in Stirling, which opens its doors this year

ollowing years of over the last couple of years – groups. The overwhelmingly development, Historic it’s been quite a learning curve. positive response demonstrates Environment Scotland I believe the result is a the level of support the new (HES) is thrilled to be programme that really does centre has and how much people opening the Engine offer something for everyone. are looking forward to it opening. FShed in 2017. It has been Part of my role is continued Here, Engine Shed team fantastic to see the project consultation with stakeholders, members give an overview develop through the funding from those working in the of what they have been working application phases and now the heritage sector and other fields on, including milestones such delivery stage. to local community and school as launching our new website DOROTHY HOSKINS Throughout the project, and welcoming 1,500 visitors Technical Outreach and I have been working on the at last year’s Doors Open Education Manager development and delivery of Day weekend. [email protected] the centre’s Activity Plan We want to enable We look forward to continuing alongside our other public- people to understand to build on this work. I very facing activities and events. and value their built much look forward to We have researched, reviewed, welcoming you to the Engine piloted, promoted and evaluated environment from a Shed and hearing your thoughts every aspect of the Activity Plan young age on what you find there.

The Engine Shed undergoing a full transformation into a building conservation hub

10 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT WENDY MALKIN Events Officer [email protected] Public programme The Engine Shed will be a welcoming space – modern in design with striking traditional features, and a friendly team eager to discuss conservation and traditional skills with anyone who enters. The space has been designed to host a variety of events and activities, and it is through our public programme that we will reach out to a diverse audience. So far for 2017, we have programmed national conferences, specialist seminars, GARETH CHEESEMAN, local heritage talks and family workshops. JORDAN IRVINE Technical Digital The aim of our programme is to engage Education Officer Content Manager everyone with the built heritage, from [email protected] [email protected] professionals to students and families, and ultimately inspire a strong culture of Education programme Engine Shed online care and appreciation of traditional The Technical Outreach and Education The new website, www.engineshed. buildings in Scotland. Team has been working hard to bring org, went live in October 2016, Over each year, the theme of our events conservation into the curriculum. As replacing our old conservation will change, corresponding with the part of HES’s mission to support people Knowledge Base website. The new subjects covered in our advanced diploma in understanding and protecting their website has a clean, modern look in traditional building conservation and built environment, we are developing a that works well on mobiles and our dynamic programme of temporary range of school-based resources and tablets, and offers a wealth of useful exhibitions. The first temporary lesson plans to enrich and enthuse content in these sections: exhibition, developed in collaboration pupils. We want to enable and • Technical publications: From with the Glasgow School of Art, will focus empower people to understand and detailed technical papers to advice on the aftermath of the devastating fire at value their built environment from a for conservation beginners. its iconic Mackintosh Building in May young age. • Building advice: Aimed at giving 2014 (also see page 52). Exhibitions will Over the past nine months, over 200 homeowners the confidence to be changed every few months, each time pupils have learned about the porosity employ contractors. showcasing a new and exciting area of and permeability of traditional materials • What’s on: Our upcoming events. conservation research. through the use of microscopes, stone • Learning: Information about our samples and thin sections. The activities new advanced professional Top right and below: we’ve developed encourage pupils to diploma in technical building Welcoming visitors of all ages at Doors ask questions about their surroundings conservation. Open Day 2016 and take notice of the wide range of • Blog: Concentrating on discussing materials they encounter every day. building conservation issues that At the Engine Shed, pupils will learn our researchers and scientists are about conservation in all areas of the working on. curriculum, including the science of We want the website, like the Engine stone, the importance of maths in the Shed itself, to be a focus for the creation of buildings and a range of heritage sector and a forum for hands-on crafts skills. In addition to discussion of best practice. We also curriculum-based learning, the centre hope it inspires more people to care will offer Saturday activities for the for the built heritage. public, which will be informal in nature, Take a look at it, tell us what you and focus on conservation and think and sign up for our newsletter traditional skills in an engaging and to be kept up to date with all our creative way. events and activities. Visit www.engineshed.org

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 11 ENGINE SHED New qualification to build conservation skills Gordon Urquhart introduces a unique new postgraduate course based at the Engine Shed

istoric Environment Scotland’s (HES) exciting new advanced professional diploma Hin technical building conservation is designed to meet the growing demand for conservation skills and prepare candidates for a range of specialist careers in the GORDON URQUHART heritage sector. New graduates, Postgraduate emerging professionals and Manager [email protected] experienced practitioners can all benefit from this opportunity to broaden their expertise. The programme aims to give its students a wide spectrum of knowledge and skills in practical building conservation techniques, Top right: Templeton carpet backed up by a thorough factory in Glasgow, Brick by brick probably one of the finest understanding of Scottish examples of brickwork architectural and construction Here’s a look at the Fired Earth in Scotland traditions. We will also cover Conservation module for an idea of current issues and leading what to expect: Centre: Doulton Fountain technical developments to ensure in Glasgow Green, believed that learning is grounded in Origins of the material and Scottish to be the largest terracotta today’s conservation principles traditions fountain in the world and best practice. • History and distribution of brick Below: Terracotta chimney Our diploma programme will and clay use in Scotland pots at Moray Place, give unrivalled access to national • Historic brick manufacturing Glasgow, conserved by and international experts in the • Traditional brickwork Glasgow City Heritage Trust field, from skilled practitioners to • Terracotta, faience and cast stone academics and scientists. You’ll • Tiles take classes and participate in • Decay mechanisms hands-on demonstrations of traditional skills, laboratory traditional Scottish building Repair and conservation practicals with HES scientists, construction, from stone and clay • Techniques digital documentation fieldwork to historic limes and concretes, in • Specifying repairs and visits to local quarries, six modules. • Health and safety issues workshops and artisan studios. 3. Structures and Finishes: A Based at the Engine Shed, the first closer look at the wide range of Potential site visits modules will run from August materials used to construct and • Doulton Fountain, Bain Street pipe 2017 to May 2018. finish traditional buildings in factory and Templeton carpet The diploma is made up Scotland, in six modules. factory – all in Glasgow of four units, and each unit 4. Final Project: Apply the • Raeburn Brickworks, Blantyre comprises a number of modules knowledge and skills acquired in • Cox’s Stack, Dundee that can also be studied Units 1 to 3 to a practical challenge • St Bride’s Roman Catholic Church, individually. The units are: similar to those faced by East Kilbride 1. Conservation in Context: A professional conservationists. • City Heritage Trust sites thorough grounding in the basic • Conservation Area Regeneration principles and traditions that MORE INFORMATION Scheme sites underpin architectural Full course details are at • Townscape Heritage Initiative sites conservation, in seven modules. www.engineshed.org/learning/ • HES estate projects 2. Masonry, Limes and Cements: diploma and to register interest, Exploring the key elements of email [email protected]

12 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT CONSERVATION Rock solid in Edinburgh New construction using traditional skills and materials now reduces the danger of rock fall from the slopes of Castle Rock, explains Bruce Chandler

astle Rock, engineers, a rock trap and new dressed and hand-tooled surmounted by boundary wall were completed directly from the quarry Edinburgh Castle, in May 2016. Constructed in in the Borders. The iron is a magnificent partnership with the City of railings were forged in edifice, but one that Edinburgh Council and funded Yorkshire and installed by Cbrings some challenges to those by the Scottish Government, the same blacksmiths using in Historic Environment this development is designed to traditional methods. Scotland (HES) responsible reduce the ongoing risk from Making use of indigenous for its condition and safety. rock fall to pedestrians and materials and traditional skills The fabric of the castle, which road users. was important to us – it fits in BRUCE CHANDLER has been added to over the The new stone boundary with surrounding built District Architect centuries, has helped to stabilise wall, topped by iron railings, environment and invests [email protected] and protect large parts of Castle runs parallel to the old in the future of local industries Rock. However, the exposed boundary, but on what was the and the survival of rare skills. slopes continue to be degraded centreline of the road, thus Two substantial Swinton by weather and vegetation giving space for a gravel-filled Sandstone piers terminate growth, and occasionally loose rock trap designed to catch any the new wall, and HES fragments succumb to the falling debris. apprentice stonemasons Jack forces of gravity. The surface of the rock trap Ogilvie and Alan Cormie Regular inspections and rock is a crushed basalt fill from a undertook the task of carving scaling by our trained staff Fife quarry and the new the dates and symbols on the Below: Director of MS reduce the risk to people below, Swinton Sandstone masonry half-round pier caps. Stone Mark Schulz, former but it’s not possible to eliminate for the wall was supplied, The project has been an HES Works Manager that risk entirely, so some areas innovative answer to improving Stewart Mackenzie, District Architect Bruce have required a more proactive health and safety in a way Chandler, MS Stone approach. One such area is Making use of that is sympathetic to this apprentice Charles Lynch, along Johnston Terrace, on the indigenous materials internationally significant site. HES Architectural south side of the castle. It is also a great example of Technician David Nicol and and traditional skills District Works Manager Here, after analysis by our using traditional skills and Stewart Downie appointed geotechnical was important to us materials in new construction.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 13 CONSERVATION

individual stones, eventually weakening areas of masonry. Making Stirling Castle The works specified to tackle these issues included repointing all open joints in stable and sustainable lime mortar and introducing Work to stabilise stonework and make the castle resilient for slate pinnings between the the future relies on collaboration, as Tom Gaze explains joints widened from past movement. This method was employed as it had been erched on a volcanic The castle’s regular routine previously used on the rock in central inspections had identified monument to successfully Scotland, spectacular masonry saturation and tighten joints and return Stirling Castle displacement. This was caused rigidity to the ashlar coursing. comprises a number partially by the absence of In addition, to secure the Pof buildings and structures ‘through stones’ in the later outer ashlar face to the inner ranging from the 12th century military stonework of the core, non-ferrous stainless up until the modern day. These upper courses, which are steel tie-rods, known as diverse structures bring with necessary to tie the ashlar helical bars, were installed them a number of challenges frontage to the inner core of mechanically through joints TOM GAZE District Architect in their care and maintenance. the parapet wall. in the ashlar facing stone and [email protected] The discovery of masonry In combination with this, a secured into the rubble core. saturation in the late-medieval latent defect in the rainwater This method was chosen as it forework of the castle led to a goods was causing saturation would not be visible on Above, from left to right: programme of essential works build-up in the walls, which completion and – in line with Stonemasons Gary undertaken in 2016 to stabilise was exacerbating the natural best conservation practice – Sneddon, Steven the masonry and improve effects of water entering and would fit into mortar joints Lumsden, Chris Ross and drainage. This also triggered an moving through the and not damage the ashlar apprentice stonemason Andrew Harvey, with investigation into the resilience stonework. The resulting masonry itself. Works Manager George of the fabric to the projected freeze-thaw cycles had flushed The discovery of the Simpson at centre effects of climate change. out the mortar and loosened ineffective rainwater drainage

14 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT CONSERVATION

Insight Tour led by Tom Gaze

Sharing expertise Improving the castle’s Existing ashlar resilience was viewed facing for a sustainable as crucial future Existing rubble core 300 100 Fit for the Future (FftF) is a growing network of over 80 goods coincided with 20 UK organisations – including investigation by the Climate landowners, charities, public Change and Technical sector organisations and Sock sleeve to be Research teams into the risks embedded in core and community energy groups – and effects of climate change filled with Helibond that share information and Grout before insertion on traditional structures (see of the helical bar expertise on lowering their page 24). Improving the Helifix 'CemenTie' Joints to be filled environmental impact. The castle’s resilience was viewed helical bar surrounded with stiff grout prior network hosts a series of with Limelite Heritage to grouting of voids as crucial and will form phase Grout 1-5 from above regular events and site visits two of these works. for members to see practical, Sharing information about sustainable interventions in what we’re doing has also Stainless steel ties inserted to different settings. been a priority for us. Insight secure the facing stone back to the FftF’s visit to Stirling in May inner rubble core. Grout is injected Events, which are run by 2016 was a chance for Historic into sock, allowing it to expand myself and the castle’s Works and fill voids within the rubble Environment Scotland (HES) Manager, George Simpson, core, thus effectively securing to talk about its flagship opened up the scaffold to the ashlar stone in place. sustainability projects in this visitors and gave us the area. The day started with a opportunity to explain the visit to our new conservation works to new audiences. centre, the Engine Shed – a In addition, there have been Grand entrance great example of re-using formal visits from groups historic buildings and choosing including the Fit for the Future sustainable materials. sustainability network. Such We also showcased energy outreach, educational and efficiency improvements at the skill-sharing activities help us offices in Argyll’s Lodgings and to promote the value of work demonstrated how thermal to our monuments. imaging cameras can be used The collaboration of as non-destructive survey technical staff with our tools for identifying where in-house team of stonemasons energy-saving improvements and conservationists – can be made. supported by our District and The last stop was Stirling Works Managers, architects, Castle to see how climate technicians and engineers – change is already affecting means that the organisation Built between 1501 and 1506 for King James IV, the monuments and how is well equipped to meet the forework was the original late-medieval main entrance, and adaptations such as drainage challenges presented by stood as both an impressive frontage and as the first line of improvements can make them unforeseen works. This helps defence across the southern front of the castle. Today, little more resilient. Following the us improve the way we work is left of the two semi-circular towers either side of the two success of the Stirling event, and the quality of service we remaining gate towers. The forework in its present form is HES is keen to host similar visits provide, and minimises the largely a result of 18th- and 19th-century remodelling. as part of the FftF network. impact on visitors.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 15 CONSERVATION Repairing a path well trodden Lucy Vaughan explains how monitoring and path improvements at Orkney’s much-visited Neolithic stones ensure an up-close visitor experience while combating erosion

he Ring of Brodgar sits aim has always been to provide as footfall since 2002. This was as part of the Heart of much access as is feasible, but also originally carried out Neolithic Orkney keep the site looking as natural as photographically, comparing the World Heritage Site possible. Visitor numbers results every two years. This and is cared for by continue to grow year on year, recorded erosion as well as the THistoric Environment Scotland and this can have damaging regular repairs required to (HES) Orkney Monument effects on the site through erosion maintain turf footpaths. Conservation Unit, based in to the land and paths, and potential Now we also have access Kirkwall. The site’s natural, disturbance of the archaeology. to scanned data and aerial uncluttered appearance requires We have been closely photographs from our a substantial amount of work monitoring erosion due to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), LUCY VAUGHAN Head of Conservation, behind the scenes – managing helping to better inform the North of Scotland the destructive presence of work we carry out to protect the [email protected] rabbits, specialist conservation site. With changing weather works to the stones and patterns, including increased encouraging biodiversity – all winter rainfall and more while protecting both the standing unseasonal summer rainfall, and below-ground archaeology, it is becoming increasingly and providing access to more important to proactively manage than 80,000 visitors a year. access to the site. Visitors really Using this information, we enjoy being have been able to develop a Centre: Amphibian able to rigorous maintenance regime inhabitant, explore to keep the footpaths in good a common frog The test footpath the ring proved successful condition. A visit to Stonehenge Below: Severely eroded and had highlighted a number of path due to increased stones, and so the pilot is adjustments we could make to footfall and rainfall and the being extended path maintenance, including

16 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT CONSERVATION

15mm sandy soil mixture 15mm sandy 35mm turf Approximate soil mixture build-up of 145mm 35mm turf

15mm sandy soil mixture Path excavated down to original layer Geotextile membrane

Above: WavinCoil single- wall perforated PVC-U pipe, 80mm diameter, laid across width of path at 500mm crs, drains into external ditch

physically moving the paths a study to slightly elevate the underway and will be completed Above: Installing a small distance to ‘rest’ worn footpath to the inner ring, and by the summer of 2017, with the drainage layer to the areas, and cultivating and install a drainage layer of sand entrance causeway to be done path sourcing appropriate local turf and gravel below the turf. by spring 2018. Inset: Path section in Orkney for repairs. This was trialled in 2015, a We have also been working to showing the drainage Despite proactive year that saw unusual levels improve the biodiversity of the site system management, it was still of heavy rain combined with by changing our grass-cutting Below: The repaired path apparent that the increased high visitor numbers. Even in regimes and de-nutrifying the soil footfall, combined with climate these conditions, the test to encourage the growth of wild change, was resulting in severe footpath proved successful, flowers. All these initiatives erosion. To tackle this, District and so an extension of the pilot contribute to the continued Architect Stephen Watt and study was included in the site protection and care of this District Architectural Technician management strategy. Work to inspirational site to ensure it is Craig Hamilton developed a pilot extend the elevated path is now accessible for future generations.

Community support HES hosted a community meeting in nearby Stenness village in October 2015 to discuss its conservation work at the World Heritage Site – including the new footpath at Ring of Brodgar – with residents. The meeting generated good discussion and showed that there is strong support from the local community. This feedback matched our findings and gave us the backing to carry out the first phase of path improvements. When work started on site, it was soon being discussed on social media. The local community was quick to address any concerns raised, thanks to an understanding of our approach and the aim of the work.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 17 CONSERVATION Condition survey for royal portraits New technology has played a crucial part in surveying the condition of Dumbarton Castle’s centuries-old royal paintings, says Ailsa Murray

he Governor’s House visual inspection. Collaboration In some cases, the non- at Dumbarton Castle with the HES Conservation original passages of is home to a stunning Science Team also allowed overpainting can be misleading collection of ancient for non-destructive portable and are often obliterating royal paintings X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) ‘original’ paint. However, Tdating from the 16th to the 19th analysis of pigments. sometimes they can be too century. They are mostly royal The investigations revealed difficult to remove and so are portraits, including depictions of that the collection is in a good just left untouched. Every case Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots condition, with the constituent is different. and James VI. layers being structurally sound Examinations also showed AILSA MURRAY Paintings Conservator As part of a significant and only small evidence of that a variety of supports, or [email protected] refurbishment to the castle, active flaking paint. Only minor backings, have been used for the the paintings have undergone an stabilisation was required, paintings – oil on canvas, panel in-depth condition survey using which involved using light- and copper – giving an insight a variety of new technologies to heated spatulas to sensitively into the history of these help inform us of their necessary apply an adhesive to reattach paintings and the surroundings. conservation needs, and to loose paint flakes. This vital task of recording the re-assess some of the previous In addition, light aesthetic collection not only provides a conservation treatments used treatments were necessary to detailed assessment of the on them. improve their condition. We paintings’ current condition, but Investigation techniques used removed discoloured, degraded also helps develop a greater include ultraviolet light varnish to reveal the colours and knowledge and understanding examination, microscopy tones of each painting more of each work of art, and ensures analysis, multispectral imaging clearly, nearer to how the artist a comprehensive documentation system (Musis) examination and had intended them. for future reference.

Above: XRF analysis in action

Right: Paintings conservators Damiana Magris and Ailsa Murray with a painting from the Dumbarton Castle collection, ‘View of the Clyde and Dumbarton Rock’

Hi-tech survey tools Multispectral imaging provide information about observing what lies False colour infrared X-ray fluorescence (XRF) system (Musis) the condition of the beneath the surface of FCIR combines a visible XRF is used to analyse the A specialist, non- painting and previous the painting, for example light and infrared spectral inorganic components of destructive camera treatments. During underdrawings, signatures image to visually paint and can provide a sensitive to ultraviolet to removal of discoloured and inscriptions. distinguish between breakdown of the chemical near infrared wavelengths. varnishes, it can help Many paints that appear substances of similar hues elements present in certain The UV light is used to observe the cleaning opaque can become but different chemical pigments. It is often observe varnishes, process and the extent of transparent in longer- compositions. FCIR can complemented by other coatings and retouchings varnish remaining. wave infrared light, sometimes be used, in techniques, such as cross- on the surface of a painting, and carbon-based combination with section microscope as well as artists’ Infrared materials beneath the instrumental analysis analysis, to achieve a alterations and some A non-destructive, paint layers, such as techniques, to help identify clearer understanding of pigments. It can also penetrative technique for pencil, become visible. pigments in a painting. the constituent materials.

18 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT CONSERVATION

A technician through time Rob Nuttall looks back over a three-decade career and the technological innovation in his profession

y career as a revolutionised surveying, Now we are rolling out the use technician has especially of heritage sites, of 3D documentation to our own been incredibly allowing the amorphous details estate through the Rae Project, blessed. I’ve been and surfaces to be recorded which will directly support our involved with automatically and with high ongoing conservation works and Msome iconic projects and have precision at 100,000+ points site management activities. seen huge technological per second in 3D. Digitising our processes is innovations transform the This technology is now another move we are making. profession throughout the years. becoming more affordable We’re working in partnership Working closely with and accessible with the with the British Geological ROB NUTTALL architects and other advancement of 3D digital Survey to develop a new onsite Senior Architectural professionals, the work of an photogrammetry, a process GIS-based digital recording tool Technician architectural technician is often that creates 3D spatial data that turns paper-based [email protected] the glue that holds an (point clouds and models) by monument condition monitoring architectural project together. overlapping digital images taken into live digital capture using Top: Representatives From surveying sites and with just a mobile phone. tablets. We certainly live in from the HES preparing working drawings and 3D modelling is another interesting times. Architectural Technician specifications, to ensuring increasingly important tool. Yet regardless of all these Team from left to right: compliance with technical Building information modelling technological advances, the Brian Pringle, Neil standards and managing risk, it (BIM) is a 3D model-based same basic principles of MacFarlane, Rob Nuttall, is our work that takes a project process involving the generation surveying, drawing production John Crae, Lyal Purves and Stuart Deasley from concept into reality. and management of all the and conservation practice The production of drawings physical elements and functional underlie everything, and this Below: One of Rob’s first has always formed a large part characteristics of a building is what I am passing on to our hand drawings for Historic Scotland was of Edinburgh of the technician’s role. When I project to aid in the management trainee technicians. I’m proud of Castle’s old ticket office first started out, I did so on a of a building’s life cycle. the fact that HES still runs wooden drawing board using a Now, as a Senior Technician, Architectural Technician T-square with pens of different I am drawing on my experiences apprenticeships offering a tip sizes. Nowadays, we use to help implement and drive recognised qualification and computer aided design (CAD) forward new technologies. practical experience in the applications to produce Scanning World Heritage sites heritage sector. drawings digitally. in India and Australia as part of When I was offered the job Similarly, surveying was very the Scottish Ten project has to be in 1994, it was billed as much a manual process using a highlight of my career to date. Architectural Technician for measuring tapes and an Edinburgh Castle. I thought: automatic level. Then came the “How could you beat joining the electronic Total Station, which team responsible for Scotland’s fires a single laser pulse to I am drawing on my most iconic building?” That measure distances and both experiences to help feeling hasn’t changed 22 years vertical and horizontal angles. on – helping care for the nation’s More recently, the advent drive forward new heritage remains a privilege and of laser scan technology has technologies a passion.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 19 DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION

Above left: Height-pole mounted photogrammetry from Craigmillar Pioneering Castle Left: 3D laser scan data from automation in the same wall, showing survey digital surveys control targets An innovative research partnership with Heriot-Watt University has paved the way for automating the analysis of historic building fabric in the future, reports James Hepher

he results of ongoing scanning and height-pole automatic determination of research into digital mounted photogrammetric data. successive build phases in survey methods – Comparison datasets were heritage buildings and help led by Heriot-Watt provided by the University of identify mechanisms of stone University (HWU), Cambridge in the form of wall degradation in a way that Tfunded by Historic Environment stereo photogrammetry and is more efficient than existing Scotland (HES) and guided by Cyberhawk (unmanned aerial survey methods. our Digital Documentation, vehicle [UAV]-mounted aerial Science and Climate Change photogrammetry). Each dataset MORE INFORMATION teams – were published in was processed and sent to HWU’s CyberBuild Lab is at JAMES HEPHER late 2015. HWU, which compared their www.bit.ly/CyberBuild and the Surveyor and The research, by Dr Frédéric accuracy and applied bespoke report is at www.bit.ly/3D-Report Spatial Analyst Bosché, Dr Alan Forster and algorithms to automatically [email protected] Dr Enrique Valero from the characterise the stone and CyberBuild Lab at HWU’s Royal mortar wall composition. Academy of Engineering Centre The HWU team concluded that of Excellence for Sustainable laser scanning data provided by Building Design, compared 3D HES was the most accurate for laser scanning and producing ‘point-cloud’ data of photogrammetry, and their the wall; height-pole mounted respective suitability for photogrammetry was second; Below: Height-pole accurate survey of masonry UAV coverage, while versatile, photogrammetry data walls. It was carried out at was third; and stereo being taken at the castle Craigmillar Castle, where photogrammetry fourth, but datasets were taken of the east- with future potential. facing walls and compared with The project has resulted in the each other. successful programming of an Results of the HWU algorithm, A second component of the algorithm that may be ground- which classifies the 3D data into research involved using data breaking for future analysis either stone or mortar joints from laser scanning to test of historic building fabric, (courtesy of HWU) bespoke computer algorithms pioneering a step towards that might rapidly and automatic classification of automatically extract stonework from 3D data. About the information from the 3D data, Classification in this case means algorithms such as areas of stone versus deciding what in the wall is Algorithms work by comparing areas of mortar within the stone and what is mortar, and the individual and collective make-up of a wall face. The perhaps in the future what is attributes of the 3D data and ultimate objective was to look sandstone, limestone, brick using these values to calculate at how, using these algorithms, and so forth. the unknown answers – in this analysis of digital surveys could To support the success of this case, what form the stone in the make masonry surveys more research, HES and HWU are wall takes if it is depicted as a efficient, objective and easy collaborating for phase two, vector graphic and, as such, to quantify. scheduled for 2017. Improved what that graphic would The HES Digital Documen- algorithms based on earlier represent – stone or mortar. tation Team provided 3D laser findings will hopefully enable

20 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION

A digital intern’s year Sofia Antonopoulou reflects on her year of training in digital technologies for heritage and conservation orking as an intern with Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES)W Digital Documentation Team has been a fantastic experience, especially as I have always had an interest in the application of digital SOFIA ANTONOPOULOU technologies for conservation. Former Digital Intern I originally trained as an sofia.antonopoulou architect before studying @hes.scot architectural conservation. During my Masters, I document the HES estate in 3D, work on an exciting 4D coastal focused on the application covering over 300 properties monitoring programme at of building information and a large number of objects Skara Brae and see how laser- modelling (BIM) and digital from our collections. Digital scanning data can be used to documentation techniques data from the Rae Project can assess coastal erosion and, in conservation practice. be used in many ways to help potentially, the impacts of My placement was funded with conservation and heritage climate change. This was done by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s management, but also in partnership with Scottish Skills for the Future interpretation and learning. Natural Heritage (SNH) for the programme, and focused on Fieldwork for the project has Dynamic Coasts project. the use of digital technologies taken me to locations all over Digital skills are increasingly to record historic sites and Scotland, from Edinburgh important in the heritage sector, buildings across Scotland. I had Castle to the Neolithic village but also in architecture and the opportunity to work with a of Skara Brae in Orkney. The construction. Technologies such variety of digital documentation Rae Project covers many as virtual reality, augmented techniques, including laser different aspects of Scotland’s reality and BIM are being more Top: Scan of Skara Brae scanning, structure from heritage, from a delicate bone widely adopted and, in that for the coastal monitoring project © The Centre for motion (SfM) photogrammetry comb found at Caerlaverock respect, my placement with HES Digital Documentation and 3D printing. This enabled Castle to the imposing stone has helped me develop valuable and Visualisation LLP me to become familiar with a tower of Glasgow Cathedral. skills that can be applied across range of equipment such as My placement with the several disciplines. Above right: Laser 3D laser scanners and DSLR Digital Documentation Team scanning the Cochno cameras, as well as computer gave me the opportunity to MORE INFORMATION Stone in Glasgow in partnership with Factum software to process the data. meet and work with experts See www.engineshed.org/about-us/ Foundation and the Most of my work fell within from many different fields, teams/digital-documentation-team University of Glasgow the remit of the Rae Project, a both within HES and external for more about the Digital © Keats Webb programme to digitally partners. I have had a chance to Documentation Team

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 21 CLIMATE CHANGE

Ambitious plans to shrink carbon footprint Adam Florence explains how the organisation is upping the ante on climate change with a forward-thinking carbon emissions reduction plan, to be launched this year

took up my new position as later this year offers a positive Sustainability Report and the Carbon Manager at Historic opportunity to implement a more new Public Sector Climate Environment Scotland (HES) radical and forward-thinking Change Report. in September 2016, building emissions-reduction programme My immediate next step is to on my previous role as to meet wider emissions targets identify a series of themes and IProject Officer – Energy set by the Climate Change potential activities that will Efficiency and Carbon Reduction (Scotland) Act and to strengthen collectively provide a at a local authority. When the our position as a sustainability comprehensive CMP to help opportunity arose at HES, I leader in our sector. us reduce our carbon footprint jumped at the chance to take I have received positive efficiently. We hope to achieve ADAM FLORENCE on a new challenge and make responses from colleagues on this by resetting our baseline to Carbon Manager better use of my postgraduate new strategies to roll out climate 2014-2015 and aligning our [email protected] qualification in geography change activities, including emission reduction targets with and my experiences as a integrating behaviour change the Scottish Government’s. conservation volunteer for the initiatives and developing more Instead of just measuring National Trust for Scotland. effective ways of gathering our current year against our HES has been through a time information and data from across baseline year, we would aim to of great change, and has already our operations. Going forward, have a year-on-year reduction achieved an impressive 17% these will allow for better of around 2.3%, with actual emissions reduction across the engagement with all parts of the performance being measured organisation compared with the organisation and a more strategic against the cumulative carbon baseline year 2008-2009. overview of climate change budget (the amount of carbon we The launch of an innovative new projects. We’ll be recording have allowed HES to emit each Carbon Management Plan (CMP) progress on this annually in our year). As performance is measured cumulatively, this means that any ‘under-’ or Top five carbon emissions reductions since 2008-2009 ‘overspend’ in the interim years may be carried forward, and Top left: Energy efficiency measures at Edinburgh - 44% Palace of Holyroodhouse ensures all years are considered Castle include installing in measuring our performance. Glasgow Cathedral sheep’s wool loft insulation - 37% I will use this to develop a - 35% Longmore House methodology that may improve Top right: Behind the HES’s current processes and scenes in Edinburgh - 32% Duff House create additional opportunities Castle’s boiler room, for partnership working so featuring new boilers, - 31% Edinburgh Castle during the Going we can continue to provide Green Insight Tour in -100 % REDUCTIONS 0 leadership to the sector in November 2016 climate change mitigation.

22 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT TECHNICAL RESEARCH Restoring a century-old hydro scheme Gary Carvel tells the story behind a new addition to our Refurbishment Case Study series – the resurrection of a micro-hydro scheme built nearly 110 years ago at Blair Castle

he reinstatement efficiency and issues around centuries by reigniting historic of one of Scotland’s maintenance and fuel supply links, revitalised one of the earliest earliest surviving made it unfeasible. examples of micro-generation to micro-hydroelectric Unusually, the 200-yard-long the significant benefit of the plants at Atholl Estates penstock (a pipe that delivers current working estate. Tin Perthshire means that Blair water to hydro turbines) and Castle is now self-sufficient in upstream infrastructure of the electricity. The project is the micro-hydro system had survived, subject of a newly published enabling Atholl Estates, in Refurbishment Case Study. partnership with the Blair Hydro power has been used Charitable Trust, Historic GARY CARVEL Technical Research Intern to produce energy for centuries, Environment Scotland (HES) [email protected] and Scotland’s topography and and Gilkes, manufacturer of the rainfall made it particularly well original turbine, to restore the positioned to adopt this system and upgrade it to use technology. In the late 19th a modern turbine. century, before electricity was The penstock had been retained available through the National Grid, as a water supply for the hydro systems were adapted and emergency fire sprinkler system, Refurbishment developed to produce electricity so the piping was in good Case Study series for domestic lighting and power. condition and could handle the www.historicenvironment.scot/ In 1908, Atholl Estates was required water pressure. Only refurbishment-case-studies among the first estates in the UK minimal dredging was needed for The HES Technical Research to install a micro-hydro system. the ditch and pond system, and a Team undertakes projects to test Due to the local topography, silt trap, spillways and new pond and trial methods for the dredging work to create a channel cill completed the works. refurbishment of traditional and ponding system took the The 1908 turbine house was buildings. Findings are published estate team just two months. used as a showcase for the project in our Refurbishment Case Study The estate generated its own – its existing profile metal roof series, detailing practical electricity until the advent of the covering was retained and the applications around the National Grid in the 1950s proved internal walls of the new lobby conservation, repair and upgrade more economically efficient. were cladded with vertical ‘tongue of traditional structures, while However, the rising cost of and groove’ Scots pine, a common seeking best practice throughout. electricity, together with the 19th-century finishing detail These informative case studies opportunity to create a new in the Highlands. cover measures such as repairs revenue stream with the LED lighting was installed to masonry and upgrades to Below: Hill ditch supplying Government’s Feed-in Tariff throughout the castle, significantly windows, walls and roof spaces in the micro-hydro scheme scheme, made micro-hydro reducing its energy use and a range of traditional building with water viable once again. allowing the building to become types, including tenements, Right: Interior of the Atholl Estates had already self-sufficient in electricity. This cottages and public buildings. turbine house trialled biomass, but poor project, which spanned the

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 23 TECHNICAL RESEARCH Adapting to a changing climate Enhancing original features or adding detailing can help make traditional buildings more resilient to climate change, explains Roger Curtis

cotland has always intense rainfall, increased significantly longer – before experienced harsh storm events and high winds – replacement is required. weather, and most are placing additional pressures Good maintenance can ensure traditional buildings on all our traditional buildings. that a building’s external were designed and Ensuring the built environment envelope remains wind- and Sbuilt robustly enough to resist is resilient to these changes is water-tight, and functions as it these extremes over their vital to safeguard the future was intended to. It is also cost- lifetime. For instance, water- of our building stock – in the effective and often prevents shedding details such as string last few years, this has been the serious problems later that may courses and oversailing eaves focus of the Technical Research eventually require costly and ROGER CURTIS are common features of Team’s investigation and extensive works. Technical Research traditional buildings, and for recently published guidance. Nonetheless, with recent Manager hundreds of years they have The first and crucial step changes in climate, such as [email protected] sufficiently prevented water towards improving the increased rainfall, existing ingress to building fabric and resilience of buildings is features are, in some cases, no consequent deterioration. through regular maintenance. longer able to cope and function However, Scotland’s If correctly maintained, most as they once did. There is changing weather patterns over components of a traditional increasing evidence that some the last few decades – and building will last for over 100 building types are becoming projected shifts towards more years – and, in many cases, wetter – structures that

Hotter, drier summers More high winds Efects of climate • Increased thermal stresses on fabric and winter storms change on buildings • Cracking of hard materials • More wind- • Ground shrinkage and heave driven rain • Internal overheating • Damage to pointing • More moths and internal pests and masonry Wetter winters, • Loss of slates and more intense roofing materials rainfall • Higher rate of stone decay • Increased run-off • Collapse of fragile from farmland masonry • Ditches and culverts • Increased splashback overwhelmed from hard materials • Water run-off from hard landscaping • Below-ground drainage overwhelmed More water on • Inundation of flood plains and around the • Flash flooding from building changed land • Rising groundwater levels management • Dampness in walls and • Softening of ground, basements trees uprooted • Increased wetting and drying cycles • Increased saturation of building fabric Rising sea • Blockage of rhones levels, wind and downpipes and tide • Saturation of walls • Loss and destabilisation and masonry of foreshore • Internal timber decay • Destabilisation of foundations Warmer winters • Damage from salt spray • Higher internal humidity • High tides and • Increased wood beetle attack storm surges • More moss and algal growth on masonry

24 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT TECHNICAL RESEARCH

SCIENCE

Far left: Resilience of this gable end has been improved by adding additional lead work to skew copes and a hood mould over the window to shed water more effectively from the walls

Left: This previously wet gable is now dry after being repaired and improved with traditional materials

Below: This small addition below a window cill has kept the masonry below dry

performed well in the past With modest building into a dry and warm are now showing signs of home. Small things can make stress, with dampness and alteration, the ability a difference, too. At Hobkirk associated timber decay more of a structure to shed Church in the Scottish common. In such cases, the water can be Borders, a modest lead drip reinstatement or enhancement was added below a window of original protective features, improved to reduce wetting of the or the adoption of additional masonry below. detailing, may need to be The Scottish Government’s considered to increase water- methods to test their Climate Change Adaptation shedding capabilities. effectiveness. This has Plan has mandated adaptation There are many methods included a number of site research as part of a national for adapting traditional projects designed to response across all areas of buildings, and the most demonstrate that, with modest society. Historic Environment appropriate solution will alteration, the ability of a Scotland’s recent Short Guide depend on the specific nature structure to shed water can be was designed as a tool to meet and needs of the structure in improved. Much of this has this need throughout Scotland. question. Furthermore, it is involved the addition or However, its principles can important to ensure that any improvement of traditional be applied worldwide. This additions or changes are in features or detailing that is being recognised keeping with the historic prevents water running into internationally, with our work Top: Poor detailing of character of the building, and the fabric of a building. sitting at the forefront of a rainwater goods has that materials are compatible In a project in Shetland, the number of initiatives around led to overflow and with the original fabric of use of a hot mixed lime the globe to tackle the issue. saturation of masonry the building. render, along with enhanced Above: Failing masonry Our recent technical chimney-head water- MORE INFORMATION and damp on a gable end buildings research has shedding detailing, made a The new Short Guide is at in Scotland involved trialling various previously wet and damp www.engineshed.org/publications

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 25 INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

Watt’s ruined cottage at Kinneil

Inset right: Portrait of James Watt. Courtesy the McLean Museum

Watt’s the story A host of plans are underway to celebrate the work of renowned Scot James Watt in 2019, Miles Oglethorpe reveals istoric Environment when walking across Glasgow Recently, we have seen Scotland (HES) is Green. His idea transformed the the completion of some leading preparations efficiency of the steam engine, inspiring Watt-related projects, for two important revolutionising industry and such as the conservation anniversaries transport, and bringing about and installation of a Boulton Hrelating to inventor and engineer huge economic and social & Watt engine by Dundee James Watt: the 200th change around the world. Heritage Trust in Verdant anniversary of his death in 1819 To commemorate his Works. This 19th-century and the 250th anniversary of invention, the Friends of jute mill has recently been his separate condensing steam Kinneil and HES organised a re-opened after a spectacular MILES OGLETHORPE engine being patented. parliamentary reception at refurbishment project, Head of Industrial Heritage Watt first conceived the idea Holyrood in January 2016, with HES and the Heritage [email protected] of the separate condenser in 1766 hosted by Falkirk MSP Angus Lottery Fund among its MacDonald. The event brought key sponsors. The Verdant Works together a wide variety of Verdant stands as a fantastic in Dundee following stakeholders with a common example of an industrial mill restoration interest in Watt, ranging from conversion, managing to retain mechanical engineers to heritage most of its historic fabric while professionals and teachers. being successfully adapted to The ambition is to stage a accommodate a new function range of commemorative events with an iconic Watt engine at in the years and months leading its heart. up to major anniversaries in In addition, HES recently 2019. A working group has digitally recorded Watt’s ruined been established under the cottage at Kinneil, so there is chairmanship of HES to take the potential for a virtual 3D this forward. project combining the physical The group brings together remains of the building with key partners, including Glasgow Watt-related artefacts and and Heriot-Watt universities; archives from collections the Royal Society of Edinburgh; across the UK. Inverclyde, Falkirk and Glasgow With so many Watt projects councils; Glasgow Life; Falkirk and events planned, and 2018 Community Trust; Friends of already earmarked in Scotland Kinneil; the Library of as being The Year of Young Birmingham; the Science People, perhaps 2019 could be Museum; and the UK’s key designated as The Year of engineering institutions. Watt-ever!

26 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT COLLECTIONS

Inches

0 1 2 3 4 5

From Lawson 1980, after Knowles 1896

Blade Damage striae from use of key

Damage from use of key X16 magnifications Micrograph: Scale: 1 unit = 0.5mm Graeme Lawson 2015 Science sheds light on castle harp Recent scientific analysis of an unusual bone tuning peg found at Edinburgh Castle has given clues to its date and use, explains Rachael Dickson

rare bone tuning transversely by a drill hole. winding of metal wire, and XRF peg from a Although it is simply made, its in this area indicates long-term stringed dimensions indicate that the lost exposure to strings of copper- instrument has instrument had been built to alloy or some nearby copper- been re-examined standard units of measurement alloy fitment. However, an Ausing modern scientific (inches and fractions of an inch), unexpectedly strong iron technologies to try to discover and was probably the product of signal from within the soil more about this unusual object. a craft workshop and therefore residues still packing the string The peg was unearthed a valuable item of equipment. hole alludes to the use of steel during excavations in 1988–1991 Dr Graeme Lawson of the wire. While there is a possibility RACHAEL DICKSON at the castle, alongside other University of Cambridge led the the residue is from incidental Regional Collections materials and artefacts that detailed examination of the peg. iron frost soil deposits trapped Manager (Edinburgh) provide an insight into the He looked in particular at its in the perforation, the [email protected] economy and daily life at the specific use and date. From its concentrations of manganese site from the late Bronze Age curved outline, he surmised a (often found with iron) do through to modern times, and date of around 1100–1300, based not correspond. reflect the changing function on comparative images in The re-examination and and status of the castle. manuscripts. Identification and analysis of this small but Tuning pegs have been found investigation was further significant find almost 30 years at sites in Ireland, Wales and enhanced by X-ray fluorescence after its initial publication England, where they date from (XRF) analysis undertaken by the demonstrates the merit of the 12th to the 16th century, but HES Conservation Science Team. revisiting old discoveries. The this type has not previously They used XRF to identify the application of detailed scientific been reported in Scotland. composition of staining noted XRF analysis has added much to Wooden tuning pegs rarely where the (now absent) string is our understanding. Clockwise from top left: The bone tuning peg is survive, but they can yield a thought to have sat adjacent to In addition, re-evaluation of 44.2mm long; sockets for huge amount of information the string hole. Copper and zinc the morphological details tuning pegs in the wooden about the forms of the concentrations were observed compared with other known neck of an early medieval instruments for which they over the surface of the peg, with northern European harp harp found at Carncoagh, were made and the the relative concentration of components has shed light on Co. Antrim; optical geographical distribution of copper being highest at the end its date and wider significance. micrograph of the squared string musical traditions. where the string would have These methods have enabled head shows tool marks on the surface, the angles The tuning peg is small and been fixed. the tuning peg to be identified as blurred from the use of cylindrical, with a squared head Close to the string hole are that from a small harp, probably a tuning key and flattened tip perforated oblique stains, suggestive of a of early medieval date.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 27 TRADITIONAL SKILLS New hands for traditional crafts Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Craft Fellowships are helping to keep traditional skills alive. Here, Craft Fellows Jeff Mackie and Sam Britten talk about being part of continuing Orkney’s unique heritage

’ve been a joiner since I with well-known Stromness left school. As a born-and- boatbuilder Ian Richardson, bred Orcadian, I’ve been is aimed at training up someone surrounded by boats all to carry on the business and my life, although my real keep the tradition alive. Iinterest was sparked when I Over the summer of 2016, worked on boats in the south of I had my first taste of working France for two years. So when I with Ian in his workshop for saw this Fellowship advertised, a month. I helped restore a it sounded like an opportunity to boat, putting in some new JEFF MACKIE combine my two backgrounds planks and seats, and replacing Boatbuilder and try something interesting. a handmade wooden cleat, Boats are a vital part of life while OHBS volunteers here in Orkney – the islands did the painting – it was have some unique traditional hugely satisfying. boat designs, such as the Then, in September, I began Orkney yole. Once widely used a 47-week boatbuilding course for transport and fishing, there at the International Boatbuilding was just one working yole left Training College in Lowestoft, a few years ago. Now, thanks Norfolk. So far, so good. to new builds and restorations Our first 12-week block led by the Orkney Historic Boat took us back to basics, working Society (OHBS), the yole is with hand tools only and making a comeback as a leisure honing those traditional skills sailing boat. that you just don’t have as a Most of Orkney’s skilled modern joiner armed with traditional boatbuilders are power tools. Other topics getting on in age, so my Craft include plumbing, electrics, Fellowship, hosted by the OHBS paint and varnish finishing, knots and rope splicing. Once I’ve completed the MORE INFORMATION course at Lowestoft, I am HES is looking to set up and recruit My Craft Fellowship is looking forward to getting four further Craft Fellowships this aimed at training up a back to Orkney to work with year: in blacksmithing, quarrying, craftsman to carry on Ian for the second year of my bronze and statuary. Interested Fellowship. Having lived in organisations and individuals can Below: Jeff Mackie with the business and keep the Mediterranean, Orkney is contact Steve Townsend at mentor Ian Richardson the tradition alive where I want my future to be. [email protected]

28 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT TRADITIONAL SKILLS

n my previous life, I was I feel we’re riding a conventional barley, and I’m a chef for 16 years, with experimenting with brewing fine dining experience in wave of interest in my own beer, too. We now have London and Australia. I’m artisan food and drink artisan whisky distilleries and originally from Nottingham breweries taking our malted Iand moved to Orkney with my grain – I feel we’re riding a wife a few years ago. maintenance, such as dressing wave of interest in artisan I’ve always had a keen the stones, and now I’m trusted food and drink. interest in artisan food to run the mill on my own. Part of my job has been producers and traditional In September 2016, we took showing visitors around and SAM BRITTEN ingredients. So when I spotted in 30 tons of bere, which we’ll promoting our bere meal to new Miller the advert for this two-year mill by April at a typical rate of customers such as restaurants. Fellowship at Barony Mills, an around a ton a week. It’s a one- With my background as a chef, I 1870s watermill run by the man operation and this quaint have the advantage of speaking Birsay Heritage Trust, I loved old mill has its own pace. The their language. Both the visitors the sound of it. The mill’s unique process starts with gently and customers love the story product is traditional bere meal drying the bere on the fire- and provenance. made from bere, an ancient, warmed kiln floor. Putting it It might be historic, but hardy landrace of barley that through the first stone removes Barony is also a viable copes with the cooler climate. the husk, then it is ground in commercial mill – I believe I’d never set foot in a two further stones. All this the potential is huge here and watermill, but after a year here, involves me running up and I’d like to be part of its future. Above and left: Barony I have built up the core skills down stairs to check that all In the meantime, I’m looking Mills, Orkney’s fully under the guidance of Ray the belts are moving properly – forward to attending a milling operational 1870s Phillips, a third-generation it’s physical work. seminar in London in March watermill miller who knows this mill like These days, I’m geeky about and visiting other historic Inset above right: Sam the back of his hand. I’ve had to grain. I’ve experimented with mills around the UK to learn Britten at work in the mill get to grips with mechanics and malting both the bere and from them.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 29 EDUCATION Summer School’s a stepping stone Five students look back on their experience at our Conservation Summer School

istoric Environment Scotland’s (HES) Conservation Summer School offers an introduction to building conservation, traditional materials and skills through a week of talks, workshops, field trips and hands-on activities. Our objective is to inspire students to pursue a career with traditional buildings. Every year, a number of bursary places go to students on relevant degree courses, including Harchitecture, surveying and engineering. Here, five former Summer School students explain how their attendance inspired their interests and provided a stepping stone in their careers.

Katiera Donnelly Conor Lynch Attended: 2016 Attended: 2013 Now: BEng Civil & Environmental Now: Graduate building surveyor, Engineering, University of Strathclyde Brown + Wallace As a civil and environmental engineering HES Summer School was a great help in student, I was keen to explore the application improving my understanding of traditional of conservation techniques in my field, as it is building construction, materials, defects and not readily discussed in my academic studies. solutions, including sandstone and lead. At Summer School, I learned about These were subject matters that interested conservation and restoration techniques of me. Now, my daily work as a building which I would otherwise have been unaware. surveyor in Glasgow often involves condition Dr Maureen Young’s Summer School lecture surveys of traditional buildings, so I’m on non-invasive conservation techniques putting into practice the knowledge I gained sparked my interest in thermal imaging. at Summer School. In fact, I’m doing my fourth-year Summer School also provided me with dissertation on how this technology – along documents and guides that were useful in with others such as X-ray diffraction and my university studies and are just as microwave moisture meters – can be used to invaluable now as I work towards becoming detect deterioration in the facades of historic a chartered surveyor. In all, Summer School and traditional buildings. I’m excited to have showed me other career paths that are open the opportunity to do fieldwork with Dr to building surveyors, and I feel it has set me Young and her colleague, Dr Alick Leslie, to apart – certainly prospective employers develop my dissertation. have remarked on it when looking at my CV. Summer School has made me consider a career in conservation after graduating – something that I hadn’t thought of before – and Summer School showed me has given me an understanding of how conservation and restoration can intertwine other career paths and it set me with civil and environmental engineering in apart – certainly prospective different interesting applications. employers have remarked on it

30 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT EDUCATION Elspeth Tayler Attended: 2014 Now: Part II architect, Highland Council Conservation is rarely covered in any great detail in architecture schools, so Summer School introduced me to a range of conservation ideas, principles and practices that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. The hands-on experience of skills such as stonemasonry, slating and lead work was hugely interesting, and helped me appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into restoring stonework or creating a carved timber staircase. Many of the buildings I work on now are historic and listed. Summer School gave me the ability to approach these projects confidently, from understanding the architectural history of a building to sourcing the correct materials for repairs and improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings. Summer School certainly provided me with extra knowledge that many architecture graduates do not have. Conservation is where my passion lies and I hope to become an accredited Conservation Architect in the future.

Matt Fleming Stacey Rowntree Attended: 2013 Attended: 2011 Now: Part II architectural assistant, Now: Building surveyor, MacDuff Architects Scottish Lime Centre Trust As an architecture student at the time, As a building surveyor, I inspect buildings for Summer School helped focus my interests. defects and recommend repairs. For The hands-on elements of the course traditional or historic buildings, this means improved my understanding of various using the right materials and repair strategies. techniques involved in dealing with older The whole concept of using the right materials buildings. My Honours dissertation was on – and understanding buildings by the the topic of improving the energy materials used – was covered extensively at efficiency of traditional buildings through Summer School and reinforced during a sympathetic means. conservation module at university. I now put Now I’m with a firm specialising in that knowledge into practice every day. conservation, so I have the opportunity to Summer School also highlighted the skills work with older buildings, whether listed that are required to use these materials, and or historic, which is allowing me to further the implications for the repair schemes develop my skills and knowledge in the chosen. It really opened my eyes to the range field. My experience at Summer School – of careers in conservation, and how various together with work experience gained at trades and professionals work together. English Heritage and the Scottish Lime I’m fortunate to be working as a surveyor in Centre Trust – has contributed to my conservation at my age. Summer School helped aspiration to gain professional to take me to where I am now – it gave me accreditation as a Conservation Architect confidence to pursue a career in conservation Stacey Rowntree, left, in the near future. and gave me an edge when looking for jobs. and a fellow Summer School student try their hands at drystone dyking MORE INFORMATION during the traditional See www.engineshed.org/learning/building-conservation-summer-school or email skills workshop [email protected] for more information about HES Summer School 2017

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 31 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

At GalGael’s workshop in Glasgow, traditional woodworking and boatbuilding skills can change lives

32 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Introduction

his year our FOCUS Society for the Protection of ON section casts Ancient Buildings (SPAB). the spotlight on We also tell some of our recent partnership working. climate change stories. We have Collaboration is a key been focusing on determining Tstrand in the ethos of Historic the risks facing our historic Environment Scotland, and properties, along with much of our work is realised international energy saving and implemented through the projects such as EFFESUS, invaluable links and networks highlighting the inroads being we have throughout the sector. made to reduce energy usage in Our partners include historic cities in Europe. Our communities, experts, other recent community partnerships organisations, private companies, also take centre stage, showing schools and interested how important it is to involve individuals. It makes sense for us local people in the work that to partner up where we can to affects the heritage in their area. share expertise and resources, These are just a few examples ensuring our work is as effective of the many invaluable as possible. partnerships we’ve been In this issue, we highlight building, and we aim to continue some of our most recent to expand on this trend. The partnership stories. We take a opening of the Engine Shed will look at how the discovery of the provide a hub for fostering and largest Viking hoard in Scotland facilitating partnership working brought a whole host of people nationally and internationally, together to work to protect and strengthening the resilience of record the buried treasure. Our Scotland’s historic built Technical Research and Science environment for future teams join up to talk about turf generations. capping trials with the National Trust for Scotland, and the Dr Ewan Hyslop, Head of recent national thatch survey Technical Research and Science delivered together with the [email protected]

Carving out a future together For over a decade, Govan-based Through woodworking, GalGael has built a reputation for making a real difference to many GalGael helps people who struggle with life and are left find purpose and marginalised and isolated. Through inspiration woodworking skills, culminating in traditional boatbuilding, the community group helps people find that will be featured in the purpose and inspiration. In its own Engine Shed. words: “To the unskilled, we offer a Visiting GalGael is an inspiration. chisel so that they might carve out They are so focused on helping people a future.” that they sometimes need a hand to Over the past year, Historic see the range of opportunities available Environment Scotland (HES) has out there. It’s a pleasure to support strengthened its relationship with traditional skills being used to truly GalGael, helping with mentoring across change people’s lives. a range of activities, from honing skills to product development. The latter Colin Tennant, HES Head of Technical means that GalGael will be able to Education and Training supply hand-crafted wood products [email protected]

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 33 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS Adapting northern Europe’s historic places to climate change

he impact of historic places to the impacts create a community network Cultural Heritage climate change of climate change, and plan of concerned organisations. (Riksantikvaren), the on Europe’s far conservation-minded The project proposal was Norwegian Institute for northern regions is adaptation measures; to developed in 2016 as part of Cultural Heritage Research Tpotentially very severe, and demonstrate this form of an Interreg NPA preparatory (NIKU) and the Swedish many of its historic places adaptive conservation project with the same name, National Heritage Board already experience increased planning in 10 case studies in which HES worked jointly (Riksantikvarieämbetet). deterioration and damage. (two in Scotland); and to with Norway’s Directorate for www.interreg-npa.eu Local communities and authorities often lack the Coastal erosion was threatening Fredheim, a resources to adequately listed hunting station on the Norwegian plan and implement archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean, so it adaptation measures was moved further inland in 2015 to protect these sites. © Riksantikvaren/photographer Susan Barr To help, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has applied for funding from the European Union’s Interreg Programme for the Northern Periphery and Arctic (Interreg NPA) for a three-year project called Adapt Northern Heritage. The project’s aims are threefold: to develop a software platform to assess risks and vulnerabilities of

Energy project Restoring Kinneil orchard milestone he historic orchard Together, the The Capturing the Energy (CtE) in the grounds of organisations had initiative celebrated its 10th Kinneil House in determined which modern Shared ambition anniversary in 2016. The Bo’ness will be and heritage fruit tree project aims to help preserve Tfruitful again, thanks to the varieties should be planted for Forth bridges historic records of offshore oil planting efforts of primary to ensure that the restored The Forth Bridges Forum and gas companies active in the six pupils from Kinneil and orchard was authentic. continues to grow from North Sea, many of which have Deanburn schools. The schoolchildren strength to strength after the changed hands in recent years. The restoration involving were taught how to Forth Bridge was inscribed in With decommissioning local schoolchildren was a position trees and prepare 2015 as Scotland’s sixth and driving a period of rapid change, collaboration between the ground for planting. newest World Heritage Site. CtE is working with the industry Forth Valley Orchards It is hoped that the The Forum’s partners and the Department for Initiative, the Central project has helped engage include Historic Environment Business, Energy and Industrial Scotland Green Network, younger generations Scotland, Network Rail, Strategy (BEIS) to ensure that the Friends of Kinneil and with their historic and Transport Scotland, Visit the most important records are Falkirk Community Trust. natural environment. Scotland, Amey, and Fife and not lost. City of Edinburgh councils. It CtE was founded in 2006 by oversees the maintenance of core partners including Total, Oil all three bridges and plans to & Gas UK, RCAHMS (now HES) promote them as a new tourist and the University of Aberdeen destination in the future. (where the project is based). Key to this has been the Currently, it is discussing recent 3D documentation of documentation with Shell, the bridges by the Centre for whose iconic Brent oil and gas Digital Documentation and field is being decommissioned. Visualisation, with funding www.capturing-the-energy. from Transport Scotland. org.uk Pupils planting trees www.forth-bridges.co.uk at Kinneil Orchard

34 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Construction Irish partnership skills agreement to protect skills Towering success Cadw, Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland are signing When it opens this year, the for Forth initiative a new agreement with the Engine Shed will continue to lackmannan partners including Construction Industry Training support the long-standing Tower’s visitors Historic Environment Board (CITB) to secure the future relationship between Historic can now enjoy Scotland, local of traditional building stock. Environment Scotland (HES) the view from authorities, Scottish The agreement aims to ensure and the Office of Public Works Cthe top with greater Natural Heritage, the that the UK construction industry is (OPW) in Ireland. Scotland and ease, thanks to the RSPB and Central equipped with the knowledge and Ireland share similar building installation of a handrail Scotland Green skills to conserve, repair and traditions, and both HES and and internal lighting. Network. Other key maintain traditional stock. Under the OPW are dedicated to Access improvement projects include the agreement, areas of common conserving the built heritage at the tower is among conservation of the concern at a UK-wide level will be and promoting traditional 50 projects driven by Kennetpans Distillery addressed and best practice will building skills. the Inner Forth and Charlestown be shared. The two public bodies have Landscapes Initiative Limekilns. The IFLI a Cooperation Agreement for (IFLI), which is funded comes to an end in 2018. Technical Conservation, and the by the Heritage Lottery www.innerforth Engine Shed will help strengthen Fund and supported by landscape.co.uk A star partnership this cooperation with knowledge in education exchange and training In November last year, the programmes. partnership between Historic The agreement will also Environment Scotland (HES) and enable the OPW to become a Forth Valley College (FVC) was formal part of the Building highly commended in the Conservation Network and Partnership of the Year category assist in the provision of of the Scottish Qualifications technical specialists to assist Authority’s Star Awards 2016. research, training and education Both HES and FVC provide in Scotland. opportunities to gain skills and qualifications in traditional building, along with work experience and bursary placements. The partnership, which was formed in 2012, has seen the development of a bespoke traditional skills training centre at FVC’s Stirling Campus. Currently providing training nationwide, HES and FVC hope to offer training programmes HES Chief Executive from the Engine Shed to Alex Paterson and OPW Construction international audiences. Commissioner John professionals visit McMahon sign Clackmannan Tower Together, HES and FVC have the agreement on an Insight Tour also established the Forth Valley Traditional Skills Forum and have engaged with key national and Chinese collaboration celebrated international stakeholders. his year will see The partnership staff, providing training the celebration of agreement, signed in opportunities to both sides. a new partnership October 2016, established a September’s conference between Historic joint research centre for the will address global challenges TEnvironment Scotland, the three partners to collaborate in heritage management, University of Stirling and The on heritage research themes from climate change to Palace Museum of The such as conservation science engagement. It will involve Forbidden City, Beijing, and asset management of a body of international Ian Morrison, Head of Construction at with the joint hosting of an complex heritage sites. The experts, and will include Forth Valley College, left, with HES international heritage partnership will foster the sessions at the Engine Shed Training Manager Charles Jones conference in September. exchange of knowledge and and Stirling Castle.

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 35 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Striking Viking gold in Galloway Richard Welander reports on the most significant Viking hoard to be found in Scotland in more than a century

he Galloway Hoard context and the content of the Dumfries and Galloway Council, was a remarkable hoard. Being able to excavate finds work begun on a rapid discovery that forged in situ was hugely significant – geophysical survey of the field new partnerships and without this, an enormous in which the hoard was found, built on existing ones. amount of uniquely important followed by a small-scale TMade in September 2014 by a archaeological evidence would excavation of the immediate group of metal detectorists led by have been lost forever. area around the find spot in Derek McLennan, the discovery From the moment the hoard order to gain greater revealed an incredibly well- was discovered, the estimated understanding of the context preserved and complete hoard of high value of the find meant the of the hoard and the character RICHARD WELANDER more than 100 objects dating from site and its contents had to be of the surrounding remains. Head of Collections the ninth and 10th centuries AD. protected immediately. Historic It was clear from the outset – [email protected] The finds include silver ingots, Environment Scotland (HES) particularly with the discovery brooches and armbands, gold and Senior Designations Officer of extensive surviving rare textile silver objects, and a Carolingian Andrew Fulton was among the remains – that work would be silver pot packed with treasures. first on site, and worked with the required straightaway so that This find is now deemed to be the local farmer (who put his bull in immediate conservation needs most significant Viking treasure the field!) and the police to secure could be urgently assessed. hoard ever found in Scotland, and the site overnight from This meant a substantial its discovery sparked a series of ‘nighthawkers’ (illicit metal commitment of resources well events that saw conservation detectorists) plundering it. On ahead of any allocation decision, works take centre stage. recovery, the finds were taken sparking lively discussion about Viking hoards are valuable not for initial safekeeping to Dumfries how funds and resources would Above: The Viking hoard includes a Carolingian only for containing precious Museum, where they could be raised. pot packed with precious metals, but also for the wealth of be properly examined for the AOC Archaeology Group was objects information they can give us about first time. also commissioned to take on the the social contexts of the time Under contract to HES, documentation, recording and Facing page clockwise they were buried. Derek’s prompt fieldwork was commissioned by conservation of the hoard. The from top: CT scanning the early reporting of what had been Edinburgh-based archaeological intention behind this work pot before opening it; the found meant that a small team of services company AOC was to produce a comprehensive exterior encrusted with textile remnants; one of professional archaeologists had a Archaeology Group. Working inventory of every single object the silver brooches rare, if not unique, opportunity to alongside HES and Andrew in the hoard, supported with found inside excavate and record both the Nicholson, the archaeologist for images, video, X-rays, detailed

36 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Local authority archaeologist Andrew Nicholson investigates the archaeological context of the hoard Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy Securing this exciting discovery was only made possible by the prompt reporting of the hoard from the finders and the collaborative efforts of at least seven agencies and organisations, and dozens of people besides. With this in mind, Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy, launched in 2015, promotes collaboration to increase the impact and reach of archaeology across and beyond Scotland. The discovery of the Galloway Hoard, while testing the ability of the sector to respond to emergency discoveries, demonstrated the scale of goodwill and collaboration, and the potential for ongoing and future research and greater engagement with the findings. Dr Rebecca Jones, Head of Archaeology and World Heritage, [email protected] dimensions, weights and – where an article on the find, and the story possible – chemical composition. was also covered on BBC Four’s % elements Gold Silver Copper Iron AOC conservators Gretel Evans ‘Digging for Britain’ series. (Au) (Ag) (Cu) (Fe) and Natalie Mitchell worked At the time of writing in late 89 8 2 0 alongside HES scientist Dr 2016, the decision on where the 78 18 2 2 Maureen Young to assess the hoard will be permanently housed 53 45 1 1 hoard’s contents using portable was still to be made. The Scottish X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) Archaeological Finds Allocation equipment to analyse all the Panel (SAFAP), an advisory metallic and inorganic Treasure Trove group drawn from components – crucial data to across the heritage sector, was support the expert valuations. yet to meet to discuss its One of the more unusual recommendations and to partnerships was with Dr John advise on the level of ex gratia Reid of Borders General Hospital payment. The Treasure Trove X-rays reveal metal composition in Melrose. John, chairman of the Unit continues to work on the Trimontium Trust and an difficult task of placing current Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) was used to analyse archaeologist in his spare time, market values on all of the items the composition of selected pieces from the hoard. This generously arranged after-hours within the hoard. technique uses X-rays to identify chemical elements and access to the hospital’s CT We are nearing ‘the end of the enables us to quantify the composition of metals. pXRF imaging facilities so that Gretel beginning’, as they say. The hoard analysis of the bird pin revealed that it is made of a could examine the contents of the will soon be allocated; the gold-silver mix. The parts differ in composition, showing Carolingian pot before attempting recipient museum will have to that it was not made from the same batch of metal. The to open and empty it. The images start the challenging job of raising pin was the highest-purity gold (almost 90%), the head were truly astonishing, even funds to procure it, and embark on included about 20% silver and the wings 45% silver. if the objects’ geometry was a full programme of conservation, Each element must have been made separately then somewhat distorted. research studies and public joined together into the finished bird brooch. The extent of worldwide media exhibitions. A whole world of new Dr Maureen Young, Senior Conservation interest in the hoard was partnerships beckons. Scientist, [email protected] remarkable, and communications teams at both HES and the Crown MORE INFORMATION Office were kept busy trying to See www.treasuretrovescotland. coordinate press releases, arrange co.uk for what to report and how if interviews, and respond to calls you find an object. More about metal for more information and greater detecting and archaeology is at access. National Geographic sent www.historicenvironment.scot/ a writer and photographer to do metal-detecting

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 37 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS Turf trial is a team efort Four conservation bodies collaborated in soft capping trials at Balmerino Abbey in Fife, write Jessica Hunnisett-Snow and William Napier

joined-up century. Other cement repairs effects of the trials are being approach has to the pointing were causing the monitored by HES’s helped tackle moisture to become trapped Conservation Science Team water ingress at within the wall cores, leading to (see right). National Trust for swift deterioration of the fabric. The work was coordinated by AScotland’s (NTS) Balmerino To address this, soft capping NTS and carried out by Alison Abbey, a ruined 13th-century trials were proposed using a Davie, a lime and earth building Cistercian monastery in a locally sourced clay and sand specialist, with the help of 20 beautiful but exposed site on the mortar mix to form a cambered volunteers arranged through the Tay Estuary. Recent soft capping core, shaped to encourage Society for the Protection of JESSICA trials, funded by the Historic rainwater run-off. This was Ancient Buildings (SPAB) HUNNISETT!SNOW Environment Scotland (HES) topped with a turf cap. The turf Scotland. This collaboration Senior Technical Officer [email protected] Technical Research Team, was taken from the walled between HES, NTS, SPAB hoped to develop a technical garden at nearby Hill of Tarvit Scotland and the Building Limes solution to improve the Mansion to ensure that the Forum brought together four resilience of ruinous local ecological characteristics conservation organisations to monuments to climate change. were maintained. deliver a week-long event, When we first visited the site The masonry beneath was attracting a diverse group of in early 2016, it was clear there treated in three different volunteers and over 70 visitors were many conservation sections to assess the role of the to an open day. challenges typical of this type mortar pointing in enabling the The project not only enabled of ruinous monument. The wall to dry out. One area was us to address the technical exposed wall heads of the left with its cement pointing in issues affecting masonry structure were prone to water place; a second was raked out monuments as a result of WILLIAM NAPIER ingress through the ageing and and left exposed, and the third increased rainfall, but also to Former Lead Surveyor, National Trust for Scotland cracked cement-bonded area was repointed in a gauged, promote our shared philosophy [email protected] capping applied in the last hot-mixed lime mortar. The of repair and conservation.

Completed soft capping at Balmerino Abbey

38 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Monitoring wall moisture at Balmerino The work to Balmerino Abbey provided the Conservation Science Team with an opportunity to measure moisture in the walls of a building both before and after soft capping, writes Conservation Science Manager Dr Alick Leslie

he water content entering near the top and pooling in a wall is in the wall at certain levels. measured with a Repeat measurements were microwave meter taken after the work. Almost all that sends a pulse of the wettest areas at the top of the Tmicrowaves through the stone wall appeared drier in and mortar at a range of depths. September. This might be a At Balmerino, we measured the positive result, but is likely to be water content to a depth of influenced by seasonal factors, Below left: Taking 30cm and 80cm to record what so further measurements will be moisture DR ALICK LESLIE was happening at the core of needed to test if the capping measurements with a Conservation Science the thick masonry walls. work is effectively protecting the microwave meter Manager The first measurements were wall heads. We plan to analyse [email protected] made in February 2016, several the walls using the same Below right: Moisture months before the work. At this equipment every six months for mapping shows water at 80cm depth in time, moisture mapping showed the next few years to see how Balmerino’s east wall an uneven distribution of water the soft capping is managing in February (top) and through the wall, suggesting that moisture in the walls over time September 2016 wetter areas are due to water and in summer and winter. (bottom)

Wetter

Drier

Wetter

No change

Drier

What is soft capping?

This technique uses living plants and soil as a thermal and moisture-buffering outer layer to protect exposed wall heads from water saturation. It is low maintenance, non-destructive, reversible, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. For more information on soft capping and its best practice, see the research report Soft Capping in Scotland at www.engineshed.org/ SPAB working party preparing publications the wall heads for soft capping

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 39 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Climate change: collaboration is our first defence David Harkin on how Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is working alongside other public bodies to assess climate change risk

project to assess boundary data to determine In addition, the very nature the risks posed by which sites are located in areas of the properties we care for climate change where the likelihood of hazards means many are located in across the HES is the highest. This data is then positions that have always been estate is currently combined with a number of site- vulnerable to hazards such as Aunderway to inform our works specific factors such as the type flooding and coastal erosion. This schedule and ensure that our of property, its staff presence and is a legacy of the needs of the historic sites are protected for visitor access in order to assign people who constructed and used future generations. a risk rating. these monuments. Our Climate Change Risk The project is vast, with over In many cases, our properties DAVID HARKIN Assessment (CCRA) forms part of 300 properties spread across the actually show a degree of Climate Change the national Climate Change country. The types of sites range resilience to the environmental Hazard Intern Adaptation Programme and from roofed and unroofed hazards that many more modern [email protected] utilises datasets from other buildings through to standing constructions do not show. organisations, including the stones, field monuments and However, changes in our climate Scottish Environment Protection carved stones, all of which will are pushing us into uncharted Agency (SEPA) and the British respond to climate change in territories, with many sites facing Geological Survey (BGS). Using different ways and test us with a challenges they were never the data, we are developing a diverse array of unique and designed to deal with. This is methodology to evaluate which varied challenges. the crux of why our research sites are most at risk from hazards is so important. such as flooding, coastal erosion The race to understand the and ground instability. Changes in our impacts climate change will have The project is a GIS-based desk climate are pushing is not just a challenge relevant to study utilising special data from us. The effects are already being our partners on the likelihood of us into uncharted felt across the sector and beyond, groundwater flooding, pluvial and territories, with many and what we can learn along the fluvial flooding, coastal flooding, sites facing challenges way is as important for others as coastal erosion and landslides. it is to us. These spatial information sets they were never As such, our current approach are overlaid with our property designed to deal with to assessing the risk across our

40 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Safeguarding the future of Blackness Castle Situated on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle – like many of our Left: Blackness Castle properties in care – is vulnerable to natural hazards, including coastal flooding and on the Firth of Forth coastal erosion. These hazards had already been observed and works had started to construct a retaining wall as a buffer against this flooding risk. Below: The new coastal wall at the castle The CCRA validated these observations, showing the south-east corner of the site to be particularly susceptible to these hazards. This information is key to help inform the works schedule at Blackness and provide evidence for continued investment in flood defences.

Blackness Bay coastal erosion risk map

own estate is one facilitated – and influenced strongly – by working in partnership with other organisations. This joined-up approach enables us to benefit © NERC from the knowledge and expertise 0 40 80 160 metres of others, while equally contributing our own experiences. Erosion susceptibility We are conducting this project Least susceptible Most susceptible alongside a host of other public bodies as part of an Adaptation Learning Exchange (ALE) programme facilitated by Blackness Bay coastal flooding risk map Adaptation Scotland. ALE supports regular meetings and information exchange with organisations such as the NHS and Scottish Water (amongst others), allowing us to ‘sense-check’ our approach at various stages throuighout the project. Our individual approaches vary, reflecting the different operations and priorities of each organisation, yet our needs are essentially the same. The work to date has provided a basic methodology and baseline assessment of risk at our properties from various natural hazards. We now need to test the robustness of the process and expand the analysis to include future climate change projections. © NERC 0 40 80 160 metres The results will feed into the estate management practice, as well as having relevance for the 1 in 10 year 1 in 100 year 1 in 1,000 year 1 in 10,000 year wider historic environment. flood extent flood extent flood extent flood extent

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 41 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Coastal heritage on the edge As sea levels rise due to climate change, how much of a risk does coastal erosion pose to Scotland’s cultural heritage? Assessing this is a collaborative effort, explains Dr Alistair Rennie

cotland’s Climate potentially erodible shoreline has Much of the mapping highlights Change Act has been been identified from all 21,000km locations where we already know praised for its bold of Scotland’s coast. of erosion problems. The results carbon-emission Within these areas, the 1890s, also show assets protected by reduction targets. 1970s and modern mapping were natural defences. SIt also places a duty on the public then analysed at 10-metre The maps are already helping sector to appraise the risks of intervals with 1.2 million data us to understand coastal change climate change and develop points to identify stability, at properties on the HES estate. adaptation strategies to manage accretion and erosion. Past rates They will also support national the changing impacts. of change have been projected and local strategic planning, and Rising sea levels are likely DR ALISTAIR RENNIE forward, and overlaid with maps aid identification of vulnerable Coastal Erosion to increase flooding on our of our cultural and natural areas of coastline that may Coordination and coast at a faster rate than heritage, alongside other require additional attention. Research Manager, terrestrial flooding. Erosion is infrastructure and assets. Further collaboration is planned, Scottish Natural Heritage [email protected] also expected to increasingly Analysis is ongoing, but the with improvements to the affect society, infrastructure mapping results to date are evidence base to support the and our coastal heritage. available on the project website. development of mitigation and With a problem so large Whilst coastal erosion is a adaptation plans for our assets at and a coastline so complex, a concern for a number of greatest risk. problem shared might well be properties in care and scheduled a problem halved. So Historic monuments, many of our MORE INFORMATION Environment Scotland (HES) protected sites have always been The project website is at is participating in the National located on very dynamic shores. www.dynamiccoast.com Coastal Change Assessment, a Scottish Government project commissioned by Centre of Above: Anti-glider poles at Expertise for Water (CREW) Culbin Forest in Moray, to appraise how our coast once located within sandflats, are now being has changed and may change exposed as the beach in the future. retreats © A. Rennie/SNH Working with the University of Glasgow and Scottish Natural Right: Since the 1960s, Heritage, historical, recent and the pier at Dunrobin Castle modern maps have been checked in Sutherland has been – including updates from modern eroded away and now the adjacent gardens are at surveys – to develop the evidence risk © Moray Firth base for the whole of Scotland. Partnership and Scotavia Approximately 4,000km of soft or

42 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

A borrower and lender be Hugh Morrison reflects on how visitors’ Contemporary artists including Museum of Design in Dundee. experiences are enriched by the lending out Bryan Angus, Keiko Mukaide, National and international loan Atsuo Hukuda and an exhibition partnerships are a key way to and borrowing of a diverse range of objects of work by students at Robert extend the value of our Gordon University in Aberdeen collections for the benefit of a ith over have also featured in the house. wide range of audiences. 35,000 In addition, a recent objects partnership with Aberdeenshire MORE INFORMATION associated County Council and National The database of HES collections is at with Historic Museums Scotland brought the www.historicenvironment.scot/ EnvironmentW Scotland (HES) ‘Treasures of Historic Banffshire’ collections properties, we are continually exhibition to Duff House. It looking for opportunities to celebrates the centenary of the make this rich resource more discovery of the Deskford Caring for accessible. Lending objects to Carnyx and gives visitors a the colours HUGH MORRISON museums and galleries for special opportunity to view this Providing public access to the Collections Registrar temporary exhibitions helps iconic Celtic trumpet and other [email protected] colours of the 3rd Battalion of us to reach and engage new archaeological finds in the area the Royal Scots Regiment while audiences, while borrowing where they were found. they were on loan presented us objects can enrich our HES has also been active in with a number of challenges. properties and add value lending out objects to museums, These large, fragile textiles to their interpretation and galleries and other institutions. were slowly and painstakingly events programmes. In March 2016, a section of unrolled and cleaned. Our In 2015, we worked with The submarine telecommunication in-house Conservation Team Museum of the Royal Scots cable that once connected custom-built two enormous Regiment on an exhibition to Scotland and Norway was lent display cases with acrylic hoods commemorate the bicentenary to the Royal Botanic Garden to protect the colours from dust of the Battle of Waterloo. The Edinburgh for an exhibition and provide controlled two regimental colours about useful products from the environmental conditions. associated with the battle were tropical tree family Sapotaceae, too big to display at the which includes gutta-percha, museum, so they were brought a latex from tree sap used as out of storage and exhibited at an electrical insulator for cables Edinburgh Castle, giving visitors in the 19th century. a rare opportunity to see the In the summer of 2016, two banners in their full glory. James IV coins, a portrait print Duff House in Banff is an and monogrammed tile – found Top: Installation of the important venue for our varied at Glenluce Abbey, Dumbarton Waterloo colours in Edinburgh Castle’s temporary exhibitions Castle and Linlithgow Palace Great Hall by the programme. In the last year, respectively – were lent to Conservation Team visitors have been able to see Berwick Museum and a recently rediscovered Coldstream Museum for a Above: The section of masterpiece by Rembrandt touring exhibition on the Battle submarine cable lent to from the National Galleries of of Flodden in 1513. the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scotland, as well as ‘The In the next two years, HES is Pergola’ by John Lavery, on planning to lend to the Museum Right: Rachael Dickson private loan to the public for the of the Isles in Skye, Nanjing cleaning the colours first time since the 1940s. Museum in China and the V&A FOCUSFOCUS ON: ON PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS

Hand in hand with communities A partnership with the local community is breathing new life into Lochmaben Castle’s remains and carving out a plan for its future, says Jane Rahil. At Linlithgow, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is working with the community and interested organisations to improve the iconic loch, explains Martin Gray

A community Consequently, the site has been conservation story partially fenced off from visitors for health and safety reasons. ochmaben Castle Higher winter rainfall over the last in Dumfries and few decades has exacerbated the Galloway has a problem, and climate change turbulent past. Built research indicates that these by an English pressures will only increase. occupying force in The Lochmaben Castle Loch theL 1300s, it was an important site Community Trust approached JANE RAHIL in the wars with the English until works include substantial HES in 2015 after a community Head of Conservation it was finally abandoned in the consolidation and rebuilding of buy-out of the castle loch and South 1700s. Today, the castle is in a the south curtain wall in the completion of a new path around [email protected] ruinous, delicate condition. Much 1950s, and the most dangerous it. The Trust was interested in of the external ashlar facing sections of high-level masonry improving the appearance of the stones were robbed following its were dismantled in the 1980s. castle and our long-term plans for abandonment, leaving behind The arch to the curtain wall was its future. During an on-site only the internal rubble wall core, rebuilt in the 1990s, when an meeting, we discussed the which was never meant to stand innovative render was also challenges, and agreed to hold a up on its own. applied to high-level sections The castle has had a long and to stabilise the masonry. varied conservation history, with Today, the masonry remains The workshop significant interventions by our very delicate – the mortar Above: Lochmaben Castle achieved a shared predecessors to try to stabilise the holding the rubble together is in a delicate state understanding of the remains. It is a fascinating case is being washed out by rain, Centre: The castle in the study in conservation practice meaning the walls are receding site to form the basis spring of 1952 and philosophy. Conservation and in danger of collapse. of a joint plan of action

44 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUSFOCUS ON:ON PARTNERSHIPS

Joint efort to improve

Below: New interpretation Linlithgow Loch panels at Lochmaben Castle inlithgow Palace, Loch and Peel constitute are unveiled by HES Chief Executive Alex Paterson and one of the most culturally significant sites in David Rose of Lochmaben Scotland. One of only two natural lochs in the Community Trust Lothians, the loch is part of the scheduled area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). LIt also makes a spectacular setting for tourism, and community and recreational activities, bringing social and economic benefits locally and nationally. The water quality in the loch has been deteriorating for several years due to multiple factors in the surrounding landscape and environment. Weather MARTIN GRAY Ranger and Visitor conditions trigger algal blooms of varying toxicity in the Services Manager nutrient-rich water. HES is responsible for the loch, but [email protected] not the many tributaries feeding nutrient-rich water into it, so a joined-up approach is needed to tackle the issue. HES has worked with West Lothian Council, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) among others to scope out the problem and develop a forward action plan. From this, the Linlithgow Loch Catchment Management Group was formed to take forward the action plan with the partner organisations and the local community. Community involvement has been key, making a positive contribution through projects such as removing invasive species, improving footpaths, community workshop to explore managing biodiversity, marking road drains and raising local aspirations for the castle and awareness on using the loch sensitively. opportunities for improvements. Thanks to community influence, HES has brought The workshop, held in June together a summit of users, individuals and executives 2015, was successful and from interested organisations to agree a structured achieved a shared understanding management framework. It was agreed that a source of the site to form the basis of a apportionment survey should be undertaken in 2017 joint plan of action. The Trust set to inform key decisions on how we progress about improving the access road improvements to the loch. The community’s to the castle and HES coordinated dedication to and passion for their environment is the installation of new vital in driving this project forward. interpretation panels explaining its conservation history. Below: Canoe trips on MORE INFORMATION We plan to make visual Linlithgow Loch led by See www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/5860/Linlithgow-Loch improvements to the high-level HES ranger service for the loch catchment management plan safety fencing and manage the vegetation in places. Following a suggestion made at the workshop, the HES Cultural Resources Team ran a ground- penetrating radar resistivity survey with involvement from local archaeologists and the community. The partnership is a forum for developing options to give the castle a sustainable future, and has improved the community’s engagement with and understanding of their local heritage.

MORE INFORMATION The Community Trust’s website is at www.castleloch.org.uk

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 45 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Teaming up on thermal improvements Historic nergy efficiency An integral part of this work A training day for local improvements to has been the continued delivery contractors has also been held Environment traditionally of training to staff at Scotland’s in Kirkwall with considerable Scotland (HES) constructed buildings network of Energy Advice success. Partnership events joins forces can significantly Centres, overseen by the for homeowners have taken Eimprove their thermal Energy Saving Trust (EST). place in conjunction with local with partners to performance, but require care Over the last five years, Townscape Heritage Initiative provide training and consideration. For example, training took place for (THI) and Conservation Area on thermal reducing the natural ventilation approximately 120 energy Regeneration Scheme (CARS) improvement routes can lead to the build-up advisors in Edinburgh, groups in various locations, of moisture, which can Inverness and Kirkcaldy. including Portsoy, Selkirk of traditional ultimately cause the decay Staff are given two days of and Elgin. Further, a buildings, as Dr of traditional materials focused training on measures professional development Moses Jenkins and finishes. and materials appropriate for event around energy efficiency The HES Technical Research improving the energy efficiency in traditional buildings was explains Team continues to lead the of traditionally constructed delivered with the Royal way in carrying out innovative buildings without Institute of Chartered research on best practice compromising the fabric over Surveyors (RICS) in Glasgow. approaches to improving the the long term. HES has an By providing a lead on both energy efficiency of Scotland’s ongoing commitment to train research and training, HES traditional buildings. EST staff going forward. In works in partnership with Since Scotland’s Energy addition to this, HES has been a number of other key Efficiency Action Plan was active in a wide range of other organisations, such as the EST launched in 2010, HES has training initiatives that are and Home Energy Scotland, to delivered more than 150 energy related to energy efficiency ensure knowledge is efficiency training events improvements. disseminated as widely as throughout Scotland. Building A number of events have possible. This both protects our DR MOSES JENKINS on a solid foundation of both been organised with Home built heritage and ensures it Senior Technical Officer [email protected] site-based and scientific Energy Scotland to provide performs well for those who research, this training allows advice and raise awareness live and work in it. people at all levels – from among homeowners. Two Above: Moses using homeowners to professionals – events have been held so far MORE INFORMATION training rigs to to understand the issues in Inverness and Kirkwall, We run our Energy Efficiency training demonstrate practical improvement methods at surrounding the thermal with further events planned periodically throughout the year. To our Energy Efficiency improvement of our traditional in Dumfries, Glasgow, register your interest, please contact course building stock. Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. [email protected]

46 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Making Europe’s historic cities more energy efcient Carsten Hermann reflects on the findings of the EFFESUS project to improve the energy performance of traditional buildings in Europe’s cities

urope is home to strategic planning of retrofits at The web-based tool has many historic cities, an urban scale and new retrofit been tested in the World each with its own technologies specifically for use Heritage cities of Genoa in Italy, identity and appeal to in historic settings. The Santiago de Compostela in Spain tourists. Improving developed retrofit measures and Visby in Sweden. The Ethe energy efficiency of historic include insulating lime mortar, project’s new retrofit measures urban districts, while protecting advanced window upgrades and were trialled in Glasgow, and what makes them culturally energy management systems. also in the German city of important, can be challenging. Scottish involvement in the Benediktbeuern, Budapest in To help make informed project was diverse. A. Proctor Hungary and Istanbul in Turkey. CARSTEN HERMANN, decisions on energy Group, a manufacturer of high- EFFESUS partners presented Senior Technical Officer performance improvements, a performance insulation from the project results at UNESCO [email protected] Europe-wide project called Perthshire, worked with other Summer and Winter Schools in Energy Efficiency for EU EFFESUS partners to develop a Dubrovnik in 2014 and Venice in Historic Districts’ Sustainability novel cavity-fill insulation made 2015, and at various conferences (EFFESUS) was started in 2012 with aerogel. This was created and trade fairs. The project to develop retrofit options and to be suitable for use behind concluded in the summer of strategies specifically for traditional wall finishes, such as 2016 with a conference in historic cities. historical plaster on laths. Dordrecht in the Netherlands. Led by the Spanish foundation This new product was The EFFESUS project has Tecnalia Research & Innovation, successfully trialled in 2015 and been instrumental in propelling the project was a collaboration 2016 in a Glasgow tenement the sector forward in improving of 23 European partners, three building, and showed an energy efficiency in historic of which were from Scotland: outstanding performance. buildings, and providing the industry supplier A. Proctor This year, it will become tools to do so. This is an issue Group, heritage consultant available as ‘SpaceFill’. that will become more Dennis Rodwell and Historic In addition, a conceptual important over time, and we at Environment Scotland (HES). method to assess the impacts of HES are committed to ensuring With funding from the retrofit on cultural significance that traditional buildings play European Union’s Seventh was developed jointly by Dennis their part. Above right: Framework Programme for Rodwell and HES, along with EFFESUS software tool Research, Technological other project partners. This MORE INFORMATION Development and was integrated into a software See www.effesus.eu and Below: The EFFESUS project team included Demonstration, the £5.5 million tool to ensure that retrofit www.historicenvironment.scot/ representatives of project has developed both a recommendations are effesus for more on the EFFESUS 23 European partners software tool to support the appropriate for historic buildings. project and HES involvement FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Surveying Scotland’s thatched buildings A collaborative survey of Scotland’s thatched buildings is informing a strategic approach to their conservation, explains Jessica Hunnisett-Snow

cotland has a long welcomed an approach by tradition of roofing SPAB to collaborate, and in 2014 with thatch, and can we offered grant funding to claim an unusually carry out the extensive rich heritage in terms fieldwork required. The task Sof techniques and materials. was given to Zoe Herbert, a Straw, reed, marram grass, trainee architect and SPAB heather, bracken and rush are Scotland Officer, with oversight among more than 15 different from HES. historic thatching materials Zoe’s fieldwork revealed JESSICA identified by Historic a significant decline in the HUNNISETT!SNOW Environment Scotland (HES). Many buildings lay number of thatched buildings Senior Technical Officer But with such inherently in ruins, while the in the latter half of the 20th [email protected] perishable roofing materials, thatched roofs of century. On many of the 305 thatched buildings are sites recorded as having particularly vulnerable to decay. others had been thatched buildings, no thatch A recent nationwide survey of replaced with more survived at all. Many buildings Scotland’s thatched buildings by durable materials lay in ruins, while the thatched the Society for the Protection of roofs of others had been Ancient Buildings (SPAB) replaced with more durable provided an unrivalled strategic approach to their materials. Happily, however, opportunity to learn more about conservation and protection she also found a number of Top: Old Leanach the history of these buildings, was identified as far back as previously unrecorded Farmhouse, Culloden Moor record regional variations and 1996 in Technical Advice Note 4 thatched buildings. Above right: celebrate the best examples. Thatch and Thatching The resulting A Survey of Bell a’Phuill’s House, The need for a comprehensive Techniques. As a result, we at Thatched Buildings in Scotland Auchindrain, Argyll survey in order to inform a the Technical Research Team was published by HES and

48 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Drover’s Cottage Isle of Tiree On the road Zoe Herbert reflects on her year-long journey seeking out Scotland’s thatched buildings

hen I was asked whether I would like to spend a year travelling Scotland in search of thatched Seann Taigh Cottage, South Uist, Outer Hebrides buildings, I naturally jumped at the chance. The task of a nationwide surveyW was a daunting one: I was to travel to hundreds of different locations, some very remote, and document what I found. I began my journey in May 2014, with guidance from the HES Technical Research Team and the GIS team, and using a standard survey method that I developed with ZOE HERBERT Former SPAB Scotland HES. The farther afield I ventured over the months, the Officer and HES Technical more I became aware of regional variations, often subtle, Research Intern in both the techniques and materials that had been, and still were, used across the country. In some locations, particularly in the Western Isles and in small mainland villages such as Kirkoswald and Collessie, there was a strong local awareness and appreciation of the area’s thatching heritage. The memories and anecdotes of local people I met gave the survey so much more substance and value. In the Western Isles, where the majority of sites were SPAB in September 2016. It identified, I found many of the buildings I sought were attracted considerable attention ruins. However, I found just as many more that we had from the press, showing that previously not known about. I travelled widely around the cultural significance of these islands, including Tiree, Mull, Jura and the Outer thatched buildings is still very Hebrides, often spending weeks at a time hopping from much appreciated. one to the next. We are now developing an It was an unforgettable year. Among the highlights action plan to safeguard the was being offered a stay in a charming thatched cottage remaining thatched buildings on the Isle of Tiree, where several such cottages are still and support those who care in use – a real taste of island life. for them. Since the publication of the survey, a number of This includes reviewing the people have been in touch to tell us of thatched buildings statutory listing to ensure that we missed during the survey. We were delighted to hear the best examples are fully this, as this kind of engagement was exactly what we protected, reviewing the existing had hoped for. grants scheme to improve We plan to follow up on these leads and survey the support for materials and skills, buildings in the same manner. They will be added to the developing further technical survey as an addendum and the online publication will guidance and engaging with be updated periodically. The survey is an evolving other stakeholders – including Balevullin Cottage on document that will continue to draw attention to the heritage bodies and landowners the Isle of Tiree importance of these traditional vernacular buildings. – to develop a strategic response to challenges such as the supply of suitable materials and skills training.

MORE INFORMATION A Survey of Thatched Buildings in Scotland is available at www. historicenvironment.scot/thatch- survey. Do you know of a thatched building that is not included in the survey? We would like to hear about it. Email [email protected]

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 49 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS Bringing the Antonine Wall to life Collaborative digital heritage initiatives are providing visitors with pioneering new ways of experiencing ancient Rome’s northern frontier, say Dr Lyn Wilson and collaborators

early 2,000 years We commissioned aerial laser plus virtually recreated models – ago, the Antonine scans (LiDAR) for the entire length into one 3D interactive digital Wall was the most of the Antonine Wall and used environment. This has opened up northerly frontier of ground-based laser scanners to many exciting new ways we can the Roman Empire, digitally document Rough Castle share and disseminate our digital Nstretching across central Scotland. and Bar Hill forts at high resolution. Antonine Wall – from immersive DR LYN WILSON Today, it is part of the serial More recently, collaborations virtual reality experiences to Digital Documentation transnational Frontiers of the between HES, local authority digital games. Manager [email protected] Roman Empire World Heritage museums and the Hunterian With the use of virtual reality Site (FREWHS). Museum in Glasgow have enabled headsets, people can explore the To improve interpretation CDDV to digitally document a buildings within Bar Hill fort for and accessibility, Historic large number of artefacts found themselves, and gain an idea of Environment Scotland (HES) along the wall to create accurate the original scale of the structures, is undertaking several digital interactive 3D models. spaces and fortifications. The heritage initiatives, working Because all the data captured is digital game uses motion capture PATRICIA WEEKS collaboratively with the Centre at the highest possible resolution, technology (commonly used in Antonine Wall World for Digital Documentation and it will remain usable for many CGI films) to accurately simulate Heritage Coordinator Visualisation LLP (or CDDV, a years to come. The architecture of characters who may have lived in [email protected] partnership between HES and the Roman forts is represented as and around the fort. the Glasgow School of Art); the accurately as possible in the 3D All are based loosely on real Bavarian State Department for models, thanks to academic people identified on grave slabs Monument Protection (BLfD); advice from archaeologists who and altars nearby. One character and Austrian firm Edufilm und excavated them. is Verecunda, a slave girl aged medien GmbH. Recent advances in gaming about eight, who has to navigate The foundation of our digital technologies mean we can now her way around the fort and the ALASTAIR RAWLINSON heritage projects is accurate 3D combine all the 3D data we hold – vicus (civilian settlement) to Head of Data Acquisition, The Glasgow School of Art spatial data, captured as part of from the wide landscape scale collect items for the cook. [email protected] the Scottish Ten project in 2013. down to small, intricate objects, By carrying out these tasks, the

50 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Visitors explore Bar Hill fort with virtual reality

The location-based augmented reality component of the app © Sandra Walkshofer

Mobile app is a virtual museum In 2016, we were fortunate to secure funding to develop a free mobile app from the European Union’s Creative Europe programme. The European funding enables us to run a three-year project working more closely with our Bavarian and Austrian partners in the FREWHS. The Scottish app launched in late autumn 2016 and focuses player can find 3D models of free digital resource in early initially on Bar Hill fort. It combines visitor information delivered objects Verecunda would have 2017. through maps and points of interest, with content such as video come across – quernstones for clips, text and images. Excitingly for us, we have been able to grinding grain, amphorae for MORE INFORMATION incorporate our 3D virtual reconstructions of fort buildings and storing wine and more. The tasks Find out more about our interactive models of artefacts found on site. help users learn in a fun way collaborative digital documentation These can be downloaded and viewed anywhere, but, when what life in the Roman fort must projects at www.engineshed.org/ visitors are actually at Bar Hill, the app uses location-based have been like. We are testing the about-us/the-scottish-ten and augmented reality to bring the site to life on a mobile phone or game and feedback from schools www.alapp.eu, and about tablet. In this way, the app acts as a virtual museum – digitally groups has been really positive. the Antonine Wall at repatriating the Roman artefacts to the places they were found. We hope to launch the game as a www.antoninewall.org Edufilm developed this feature of the app, and it has been a great learning experience working with the company to figure out the technical details. Over the next three years, new app content will not only be produced for more Antonine Wall sites, but also for a Roman fort in Bavaria. The platform will be developed further to enable the addition of even more augmented-reality elements. The partnerships established have been of great benefit to the digital initiatives and have enabled us to share our expertise whilst learning from others. We look forward to growing these collaborations to help us deliver more exciting interpretive and learning resources for the Antonine Wall, and the Limes in Bavaria, over the coming years. To download the app, search ‘Antonine Wall’ in the iOS or Google Play stores.

3D model of Bar Hill Roman fort, virtually reconstructed using The free Antonine Wall mobile app includes interactive aerial LiDAR data and expert 3D models and virtual reconstructions © Edufilm und archaeological advice © CDDV medien GmbH, HES and CDDV

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 51 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

The exterior of the Mackintosh building Salvaging a Glasgow icon soon after the blaze Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is working closely with the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) on the salvage and restoration of its famed Mackintosh building, severely damaged by fire in 2014

he devastating blaze HES was among the first at GSA’s iconic organisations on the scene when MORE INFORMATION Charles Rennie the fire began, and directed the For more about the restoration, see Mackintosh building initial salvage and conservation www.gsa.ac.uk/mackintosh-restoration on 23 May 2014 sent operation. It has continued to or to find out about the Engine Tshockwaves throughout Scotland work with GSA to support Shed’s upcoming exhibition about the and beyond. Thankfully, there conservation ambitions for the fire, visit www.engineshed.org were no human casualties, but building and its objects in years the fire left irreparable damage to to come. Here, HES colleagues the unique building, including the reflect on the salvage operation destruction of the renowned and the ongoing support being A firefighter douses the flames in the library Mackintosh Library. provided to the restoration.

An immediate response ike many others on For a week thereafter, we analysis. The experience that day, I watched worked with the fire service and has posed many questions with a heavy heart as GSA staff to salvage what we around cultural significance one of my favourite could and provide technical and value, which are worthy buildings went up in advice on the building fabric. of continued discussion. Lflames. We have a close working HES staff responded instantly, Although the circumstances relationship with GSA, so quickly and a team of 50 worked were traumatic, we have learned offered to help in any way we tirelessly and quickly as many things that have practical could. They asked us to lead the circumstances dictated. applications across our sector. salvage operation around the Our digital and photographic I’m immensely proud of how my DR DAVID MITCHELL library and furniture store above, survey teams were quickly colleagues responded, but also of Director of Conservation and to liaise with the emergency deployed – their work will be the magnitude of public reaction [email protected] services on the damaged vital in progressing the to events. It demonstrated the building fabric. restoration – and we continue depth of feeling for some of our We first entered the building to support the restoration with treasured buildings – a positive early the next day after the fire. specialist advice and scientific and inspiring experience.

52 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

A home for salvaged artefacts

ollaboration was the key to successfully salvaging the surviving objects. CThe building housed a large amount of rare original Mackintosh furniture, fittings and books, along with GSA’s own stored archive and textile RICHARD WELANDER collections, so it was Head of Collections [email protected] incredibly important to save what we could. The initial salvage began as soon as the flames were extinguished. The HES Collections Team Ongoing expert analysis worked with GSA, National Galleries of Scotland and National Records of Scotland colleagues to he Conservation Science Team pack salvageable items safely and move them to a has been closely involved with secure location nearby. Ensuring that heavily fire- materials conservation following damaged items were recovered sensitively was the GSA fire. We have carried out challenging indeed. analysis of iconic objects such as Unfortunately, not everything could be saved. Left Tthe lights from the Mackintosh Library, and behind in the debris were the remains of much of of materials, including stone, mortar and the internal fittings, including the iconic library plaster, to provide advice on the best periodical desk. Further research was done in DR ALICK LESLIE methods for restoration. partnership with Kirkdale Archaeology, which Conservation Science One important aspect of our work is carried out a forensic assessment of the debris in Manager determining the extent of the damage to the the library as part of a detailed excavation and [email protected] stone. The building stones from part of the survey of surviving building structures. west gable were taken to our Stirling works We continue to work with AOC Archaeology on depot for storage and, in collaboration with the conservation assessment of retrieved items. We the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), are also assessing items selected for inclusion in we have carried out some basic geotechnical the forthcoming Engine Shed exhibition to ensure measurements to assess damage to them. they are in a stable enough condition to be moved Although this gave us some useful and displayed. information, further analysis was needed. So We hope to keep UWS, HES and the University of the West of finding homes for England successfully bid for EU funding to objects and are bring eight researchers from France, planning to work Germany, Italy and Greece. In June 2016, with GSA to help they spent a week analysing the stone inside them incorporate the library. surviving artefacts This work has already been presented at into the rebuilt and international conferences and will provide restored building. invaluable data on the condition of the stone as the west gable is being rebuilt. It is hoped that all of the materials analysis will form the subject of an academic conference in the second half of 2017.

Above: X-ray fluorescence analysis of the fire-damaged library light fittings Periodical desk destroyed in the fire Above: Sorting through salvaged remains Right: Library lights prior to the fire

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 53 FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS

Craft skills taster events go local A partnership with the Scottish Traditional Building Forum is encouraging more young people to consider a career in traditional crafts through taster events, writes Katie Carter

romoting traditional Recently, the Scottish skills apprenticeships Traditional Building Forum About the STBF to the next generation (STBF) network has taken the is a priority for craft skills taster model under The forum started when a few Historic Environment its wing, transforming it to be stakeholders across the PScotland (HES) and is at the delivered at a more local level. traditional construction supply forefront of our outreach Regional forums are made up chain decided to do something programme. Maintaining a of local stakeholders within the positive to promote the skilled workforce in areas such industry who share a vision to traditional building industry. It as stonemasonry, joinery, lead promote traditional skills and to aims to empower property KATIE CARTER working, dry stone dyking and encourage cooperation and owners to undertake appropriate Senior Outreach Officer slating is important to ensure partnership working across the maintenance and repairs to their [email protected] the ongoing maintenance and sector. Now, with HES support, buildings, to share information repair of Scotland’s historic the forums are taking the lead across the industry and to inspire buildings, which make up 20% on these events, and we have the next generation to join the of its total building stock. been able to expand the reach industry that maintains To raise awareness of careers and deliver more of these events Scotland’s rich built heritage. in traditional skills, we have throughout Scotland. There are regional forums in been running a series of craft In 2016, over 10 craft skills Edinburgh, Fife, Tayside, Forth skills tasters for school pupils at taster events took place, Valley, Aberdeen, and Highlands our works depots throughout organised by the forums in town and Islands, with each putting on Scotland over the last few years. centres such as Perth, Falkirk, events to promote issues most These tasters are a golden Callander, Glasgow and relevant for their area. Alongside opportunity for our skilled staff Edinburgh. Local colleges and craft skills taster events, they run and apprentices to pass on their trades bodies have been running information stands for home- expertise and passion for their sessions alongside HES owners and CPD events to share craft to school pupils. stonemasons, giving pupils the best practice with architects, chance to try their hand at a surveyors, local authorities and trade and find out more about a other key stakeholders. career in traditional skills. We are truly fortunate to have Above: School leavers from developed a strong working Loudoun Academy in East MORE INFORMATION relationship across the supply Ayrshire try their hand at Many more tasters are planned for chain, with many people donating traditional skills at the HES 2017. If you know of a school that their time for the benefit of the Lesmahagow depot would like to get involved, email traditional building sector. [email protected] John McKinney, STBF Right: Glasgow school representative pupils with the brick archway they built at a craft For more about STBF activities near www.stbf.org.uk/contact skills taster you, see www.stbf.org.uk

54 WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT IMPACT 2016: Our year in numbers

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND IN OVERVIEW

Largest employer of 340 40,000 365 skilled traditional sites, amounting to 36 apprentices, conservation craftspeople 800 standing objects in our including 29 staf based in in the UK structures collection stonemasons 28 locations

CONSERVATION EVENTS AND OUTREACH

30 193 2,504 events organised by us delegates attended 206 pupils 25,000+ people our events, a taught by an Insight Tours reached through 15% increase HES Technical attracted 193 our outreach on 2015 Education Ofcer participants activities

OUR PUBLICATIONS ONLINE WE’VE SHARED OUR EXPERTISE IN www.engineshed.org/publications Top 3 downloads Inform Guides 1 Repairing Scottish Slate Roofs 131

2 Lime and Cement Mortars in Historic Buildings 110 Beijing Texas Vilnius Dordrecht 3 Damp: Causes and Solutions 102 Brussels Carlisle Virginia Genoa Short Guides London Dublin Prague Oslo Durham Barcelona Bilbao Stavanger 1 Sash and Case Windows 172 Lahore Leipzig Bergen Riga 2 Lime Mortar in Traditional Buildings 137 Paris 3 Fabric Improvements for Energy Efciency 130 In Scotland 301 unique page views for our enquiries technical guides this year Edinburgh Stirling Kirkcaldy 5,000+ logged through the Glasgow Fife Inverness technical enquiry Dumfries Perth Paisley helpline* Dundee Stromness *Email [email protected] and telephone 0131 668 8642

WWW.HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT 55 Historic Environment Scotland Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Telephone +44 (0)131 668 8600 www.historicenvironment.scot