Historic Scotland is re-launching its Scottish Traditional Building Skills Forum, which aims to bring together different parts of the conservation industry to look at key trends and challenges in promoting vital skills both now and for the future.

The first meeting takes place at The Lighthouse in Glasgow on 16 November 9.30am to 4.15pm. Places are free. For more information contact Jane Milroy at Historic Scotland on 0131 668 8634 or email [email protected]

The forum is open to anyone with an interest in the sector. This initial meeting will focus on traditional skills development and training issues.

A number of presentations and case studies will be covered, including a three-year project to restore and regenerate Dalkeith’s built heritage, the availability of Heritage Lottery funds for developing traditional building skills, and energy efficiency.

Contributors will include Angus College, Telford College, Construction Skills, Les Compagnons Du Devoir and McRitchie Traditional Carpentry.

Future topics will include areas such as stonemasonry, traditional carpentry and joinery, roofing and blacksmith work, all of which played a crucial role in establishing Scotland’s built heritage.

Colin Tennant, Head of Traditional Skills & Materials for Historic Scotland, says: “The Forum worked well in the past but there were a number of areas that we felt could be refreshed.

“We really want this to be a vehicle which stimulates discussion and debate, and this is a useful opportunity for anyone with an interest in the sector to come along and discuss issues affecting the industry.

“We’ve aimed to make the event as varied as possible in terms of the presentations to be covered as well as incorporating in a number of opportunities to really draw out key issues for discussion. We look forward to welcoming people to the first event.”

The Forum has been reconvened following the launch of Historic Scotland’s Traditional Skills Strategy in May. It aims to disseminate research and best practice, generate debate and contribute to future sustainable developments in the heritage and construction sectors.

Speakers from Historic Scotland include Director of Conservation David Mitchell, who is chairing the event, Traditional Skills Manager Ian Walker, Traditional Skills Officer Charles Jones, and Nathaniel Havinden, a Craft Fellow from Historic Scotland.

Also speaking are: John Laing, Senior Sector Business Manager Construction, Engineering and Renewables, Edinburgh Telford College; John McRitchie, of McRitchie Traditional Carpentry; Colin Johnson, Curriculum Manager Construction, Angus College; Philip Ford, Skills Strategy manger, Construction Skills.