Stone in Scotland: Past, Present and Future

Stone has been used to create Scotland's historic built environment for thousands of years. These four morning talks will introduce you to the wide range of stone used in Scotland and share current best practice in stone repairs. We will also review innovative methods of identifying, matching and procuring new stone for conservation and newbuild projects.

A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed.

In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to discuss a wide range of stone conservation issues.

For those who cannot join us in person, a virtual ticket is available for the morning learning session. This will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, and the joining link will be sent to you a week before the event.

Learning outcomes

You will:

1. Learn how the physical characteristics and availability of natural stone influenced the design and construction of Scotland’s historic built environment from the earliest times to the present.
2. Understand the basic principles and techniques underpinning best practice in stone repair and conservation in Scotland.
3. Learn how recent innovations in quarry research and stone procurement processes can inform and enhance conservation and newbuild projects.

Who should attend?

We encourage building professionals and managers, heritage professionals and those from relevant disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice in traditional buildings to consider attending.

We also welcome people responsible for a traditional building, monument or site. It would also be useful for those with an interest in the broader aspects of building conservation in Scotland.

This learning session can be used towards your continued professional development (CPD). A certificate of attendance will be issued following participation.

Discounted tickets

Historic Scotland Members can claim 10% discount using the promo code HSMember. Please bring your membership card with you on the day. Not a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits.

Students currently undertaking a college or university course can use the code Student to obtain a free ticket. This is only redeemable when signing up with a valid student email address and upon production of a valid student ID card.