The Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum worked in collaboration organised a traditional building skill demonstration at St Andrew Square Gardens, Edinburgh on 4 and 5 June.

School children, and teachers from schools across Edinburgh were able to have a go at the traditional building skills being demonstrated by local apprentices from Edinburgh College, St Mary’s Cathedral Workshops, Historic Environment Scotland and Fife Council. The event was organised to raise the profile of the career available in traditional building sector. They were able to carve their initials into Limestone, dress and fix a slate, putty a sash & case window and a bit of marbling and graining.

Homeowners were also able to get expert information on how to repair and maintain their traditionally built homes with representation from Stone Federation GB, National Federation of Roofing Contractors and Architecture & Design Scotland.

The event was also visited by Jeremy Balfour MSP who has been a great supporter of these events in Edinburgh. Jeremy took the chance to talk to the apprentices demonstrating their skills to find out about how they entered the trade and future career opportunities.

The event was a collaboration between The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Edinburgh College, Stone Federation Great Britain, Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Contractors Group, Fife Council, Developing the Young Workforce Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian and CITB Scotland.

Demand for these events is very strong and we are very fortunate to have such a strong network of professionals who donate their time to organise and deliver them for the benefit of the industry.