Conservation and traditional building skills

Conservation skills are important for preventing and managing the effects of change on historic structures, places and objects, to ensure they can be used and enjoyed in the future. 

Approximately 20% of our buildings, including people’s homes, shops, schools and hospitals and industrial buildings were made using historic methods.

It's important that we use the traditional skills and materials that helped to create these buildings when caring for them. This will help to keep the historic environment in good condition so that we can continue to enjoy it for generations to come.

If you enjoy practical and hands-on work, this area of the sector may appeal to you.

Traditional building craft skills are those that were used to build historic buildings, such as stonemasonry, joinery, roofing (including thatching), as well as blacksmithing, lime plastering, and even stained glass work. Training in these skills means that our historic environment can be maintained and repaired with a combination of traditional skills and modern technology. Heritage science and digital documentation are key to understanding our heritage so we can better look after it. There are lots of paid entry-level positions, such as traineeships and apprenticeships, in this area. This means that you can learn new skills while working. 

Conservation skills are important for managing the effects of change on historic structures, places and objects, to ensure they can be preserved for the future. They are essential in the transition to net zero, playing a key role in maintaining and adapting Scotland’s traditional building stock to provide warm, affordable homes across our cities, towns and villages.  

But conservation isn’t just about buildings; conservators can also specialise in a specific area of interest. This can include textiles, artwork, stonework, furniture, and even clocks! This type of conservation involves protecting objects so they stay as close to their original condition as possible. Whilst building conservators can adapt buildings and replace materials so long as it it’s done in a way that respects a place’s architectural heritage and is compatible with the original parts of the building.  

Training as a conservator can take a little longer than other areas in heritage but gaining skills in caring for collections, working with historic items, or traditional buildings is a great place to start. 

 Example jobs include: 

• Stonemason 

• Carpenter 

• Thatcher 

• Metalworker 

• Blacksmith 

• Researcher (including experts in specific areas like industrial heritage, or energy efficiency in historic buildings) 

• Materials  and Materials and Conservation Scientists 

• Digital Documentation and Visualiation Specialist 

• Conservation Officer 

• Materials Conservator (eg. painting, glass, stone, paper, or metal) 

• Project Manager 

To learn more about the skills needed in conservation and how to start your career, you can read the resources available in the careers section at the Institute of Conservation. 

To find careers advice on traditional building skills, visit:

• the Skills and Training section of our website

• the Engine Shed’s how to get involved with building conservation

• the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings’ website.

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation also has a ‘self-starter’ kit for people looking to take the first step in their careers, with advice, training courses, and networking opportunities. 

Check out the links below to search for vacancies in conservation and traditional building skills from: 

• Historic Environment Scotland 

• Institute of Conservation (ICON) 

• Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) 

• Heritage Trust Network Job Hub 

Conservation roles are also a big part of the GLAM (Galleries, libraries, archives and museums) sector.

More about the GLAM sector

Hear more from people working within conservation and traditional building skills: