Apprentice encourages young people to join him in the heritage sector

After completing his first year of training, apprentice stonemason and Dumfries local Kody Burns is on a mission to inspire young people across Scotland to consider a career in traditional skills. 

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced two new stonemasonry apprenticeship opportunities in Dumfries and Galloway - a rare chance to join the team working on some of the region’s most iconic historic sites. 

19‑year‑old apprentice Kody discovered stonemasonry while searching for a hands‑on, creative career. Run by HES, the Stonemasonry and Banker Masonry apprenticeship programme has enabled Kody to get hands-on experience at world-class heritage sites such as Holyrood Abbey and Caerlaverock Castle. Now in his second year, he is working towards his SCQF level 6 qualification under the guidance and mentorship of HES’s Lead Mason in Dumfries, Johnnie Cunningham. 

Kody Burns, Apprentice Stonemason at HES, said:

“Before I started the course, I didn’t really know what stonemasonry was but after watching some videos of people dressing stones, I was fascinated and couldn’t wait to learn more. 

“The course has been very rewarding, and I love sharing photos and videos of my work with friends and family. I’ve given friends books to help them understand more about the skills and it’s great that some of them have applied to join the course next year.

Johnnie Cunningham, Dumfries Lead Mason and Kody’s Mentor at HES said:

“We’re so proud of Kody and the progress he’s made over the last year. He’s taken to the skills so naturally and he’s already a great stonemason.

“Being surrounded by so many amazing heritage sites here in Dumfries, we’re really trying to boost the skill in the area and beyond Scotland. We’re calling on young people to consider traditional skills as a career path, to spread the word on this trade, just like Kody.”

In October 2025, Kody was named HES Apprentice Banker Mason of the Year after completing his first year of training. Kody was nominated by his colleagues at HES as well as his college lecturers at the HES Stirling Skills Training Centre, all of whom have helped him find and develop his passion for the craft.

In an exciting opportunity for the young people of Dumfries & Galloway, HES will be holding an Open Day at MacLellan’s Castle on Tuesday 31 March, where stonemasons will be giving demonstrations and talking about their roles.

HES hopes that stories like Kody’s will encourage more young people to explore careers in heritage, helping safeguard Scotland’s historic sites for generations to come. 

For those inspired by Kody’s journey, and eager to apply for these sought‑after apprenticeships, find details on how to apply. 

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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