My name is Mackenzie, and I’m an apprentice painter and decorator based at Edinburgh Castle and I Make History.
What’s your first memory of Edinburgh Castle?
When I was a toddler my aunt took me to Edinburgh Castle. I remember going across the Esplanade and seeing the soldiers marching for the first time. It’s incredible to walk through the gates now as part of the team who look after its history.
What led you to this apprenticeship?
I have always had an interest in Painting and Decorating and have a history of painters in my family. In high school I fell in love with painting in art class and I enjoyed learning about history, and for a long time I had been interested in learning a trade.
When I left school I initially worked on sites as a labourer but I would always try to make time to offer my help to the painters and get involved with their work!
What projects have you enjoyed working on?
The most exciting project I have worked on was the refurbishment of the sash and case windows of the Military Prison/Royal Scots building at Edinburgh Castle. This involved stripping back all the old paint to bare wood and applying coats of paint following the specification set out from the District Architect. I found this very enjoyable, and I had a great sense of achievement when all the sashes were re-fitted.
It's not just been Edinburgh Castle. I’ve also had the chance to work at Holyrood Palace where I worked alongside their painters and covered various aspects at a different site which brought new challenges and learning.
Is there a project you’ve been involved in that you didn’t expect to be part of your role?
Not long into my post, I was asked, along with my mentor and team, to carry out the annual waxing of the casket that holds the Rolls of Honours in the Scottish National War Memorial. This helps to preserve the ornate metal work. The casket contains the rolls of honour for soldiers, sailors, airmen and women in the services lost in WWI. I found this highly satisfying due to the nature of the building and the importance of the work.
Why do you think your job is important?
The job is hugely important. The skills I’m learning will help maintain Scotland’s story - not just for now, but for generations to come. Knowing that tourists from all over the world get to experience Scotland’s heritage because of the dedication of all the tradespeople who work at the castle is humbling.
To anyone out there wondering if they can do something like this, trust me, you can.
Mack in action
Meet Mack at Edinburgh Castle and listen to what he would tell his younger self.
The role
Through his role with HES, Mack gets the chance to work across iconic Scottish sites like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Painters and decorators at HES carry out conservation painting and decoration using traditional techniques and materials including oil-based paints, traditional wall coverings and gilding in Properties in Care. Apprentices gain experience in all aspects of painting and surface preparations, as well as getting the chance to learn specialist finishes such as gold leaf and graining.