Traditional building skills were showcased in Perth on 5 and 6 September to raise the profile of traditional building skills and materials to young people considering their career options.

School children from Pitlochry High School, St John’s RC Academy, Perth Grammar School, Perth Academy and Perth High School came along and were given the opportunity to try their hands at stonemasonry, joinery, roof slating & painting and decorating.

The hands on demonstrations to the school children were kindly coordinated by Dundee and Angus College, Historic Environment Scotland, T J Ross Ltd and Dalmack Joinery Ltd.

The event was run by the Fife and Tayside Traditional Building Forum and was a truly collaborative event with Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, Dundee and Angus College, T J Ross Ltd, Dalmack Joinery Ltd, Historic Environment Scotland, National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Stone Federation GB, Perth and Kinross Council and Perth City Heritage Fund and was especially designed to encourage young people into thinking about a career in traditional building skills, as well as raising awareness of the skills that are so important in maintaining our historic environment.

Local MSPs, John Swinney MSP, Roseanna Cunningham MSP and Murdo Fraser MSP also came to support the event and try their hand at the skills being demonstrated.