Scottish Roofing: Materials and Practices

Event Description

Natural slate, lead and iron have been used to cover (and sometimes decorate) traditional Scottish buildings for generations. Our three morning talks will introduce you to the methods and materials traditionally used in Scotland for roofing. We will also discuss the prospects for reopening Scotland’s first working slate quarry since the 1950s.

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 observe a wide range of roof repair and conservation issues.

For those who cannot join us in person, a virtual ticket is available for the morning only.

Learning outcomes

You will:

• learn about the range of materials used to roof Scotland’s historic buildings over the past three centuries and how these roofs can and should be repaired today

• discover how cast iron has been used both as a utilitarian and decorative feature on Scottish traditional buildings

• understand the challenges – and potential successes – of recent initiatives by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to reopen dormant slate quarries and the implication for Scotland’s historic and natural environment.