Vernacular Building Materials in Scotland
Discover a range of vernacular building materials used in Scotland and recent projects undertaken to understand their construction.
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. For those who cannot join us in person, a virtual ticket is available for the morning learning session only.
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.
Speakers
- Daniel Postma – Archaeologist and Eco-builder at Archaeo Build
- Jessica Hunnisett – District Surveyor at Historic Environment Scotland
- Chris McGregor – Senior Project Manager at Historic Environment Scotland
Who should attend?
We encourage graduates, heritage professionals and building practitioners from all disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice in traditional buildings to consider attending.
We also welcome anyone responsible for a traditional building or with an interest in the broader aspects of building conservation in Scotland.
Dates
Performances on 5/7/2026 12:00:00 AM
7 May 2026
Thursday 7 May 2026 9:30AM to 5:00PM
96d17d2e-f062-46bd-9307-b3e100ad6f86
Engine Shed , Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 2BY
We encourage students, graduates, heritage professionals and building practitioners from all disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice in traditional buildings to consider attending.
We also welcome anyone responsible for a traditional building or with an interest in the broader aspects of building conservation in Scotland.
This learning session can be used towards your continued professional development (CPD). A certificate of attendance will be issued following participation.
Who should attend?Tickets must be purchased ‘per individual’
If you would like to book multiple tickets on behalf of your organisation, invoicing can be arranged. Please email technicaleducation@hes.scot for more information.
Group bookingsHistoric Scotland Members can claim 10% discount using the promo code HSMember.
Please bring your membership card with you on the day. Not a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits.
Students currently undertaking a college or university course can use the code Student to obtain a free ticket. This is only redeemable when signing up with a valid student email address and upon production of a valid student ID card.
Discounted ticketsRefreshments will be provided on arrival and lunch will be catered. Please contact our events team with any special dietary requirements.
Dietary RequirementsVisit Historic Environment Scotland's Consumer Terms Site for information on our cancellation and refund policy.
Cancellation and Refunds- full day experience - $85.00 (Rank = 0)
A morning of lectures, Q&A and networking lunch at the Engine Shed in Stirling, plus the afternoon tour of Cultybraggan PoW Camp and a traditional turf hut at Comrie Croft.
Our full-day events sell out quickly. If tickets sell out, you'll be able to join our waiting list on Eventbrite and be first in line if we release more tickets.
- morning learning session (virtual attendance) - $30.00 (Rank = 0)
Online access to the morning of lectures and Q&A.
We encourage students, graduates, heritage professionals and building practitioners from all disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice in traditional buildings to consider attending.
We also welcome anyone responsible for a traditional building or with an interest in the broader aspects of building conservation in Scotland.
This learning session can be used towards your continued professional development (CPD). A certificate of attendance will be issued following participation.
Who should attend?Tickets must be purchased ‘per individual’
If you would like to book multiple tickets on behalf of your organisation, invoicing can be arranged. Please email technicaleducation@hes.scot for more information.
Group bookingsHistoric Scotland Members can claim 10% discount using the promo code HSMember.
Please bring your membership card with you on the day. Not a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits.
Students currently undertaking a college or university course can use the code Student to obtain a free ticket. This is only redeemable when signing up with a valid student email address and upon production of a valid student ID card.
Discounted ticketsRefreshments will be provided on arrival and lunch will be catered. Please contact our events team with any special dietary requirements.
Dietary RequirementsVisit Historic Environment Scotland's Consumer Terms Site for information on our cancellation and refund policy.
Cancellation and Refunds