Vernacular Building Materials in Scotland

Vernacular building materials are items found and used locally by amateur builders. They can also be simple manufactured materials used for common or utilitarian buildings.

In these three morning talks, you will hear how and where these materials were used in Scotland over time. We will explore the ways surviving examples are studied and catalogued. We will also share initiatives taking place to enhance our understanding of the sustainable characteristics of these materials and their contribution to Scotland’s historic built environment.

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

In the afternoon, there will be a tour of the unique collection of restored Nissen huts at the Cultybraggan PoW camp at Comrie, followed by a visit to the recent construction of a traditional turf hut at Comrie Croft.

Learning outcomes

You will:

• understand the range of vernacular building materials used in Scotland over centuries
• discover the scope of traditional thatch roofing in Scotland, and hear of recent initiatives to inventory extant examples
• understand the types, characteristics and construction techniques of thatch used for roofing in Scotland
• learn about the traditions of earth and turf building in Scotland, and recent projects undertaken to replicate and understand traditional construction techniques
• understand how corrugated iron was manufactured and used across Scotland for a range of building types since the 19th century, the inherent issues of decay over time and best practice in repair and conservation