Historic Bricks and Tiles
An introduction to the conservation of fired clay products in Scotland’s historic built environment, with a focus on historic brickwork and tiling.
Scotland has long been perceived to be a country built of stone. Yet, recent research shows brick and other clay products like terra cotta, faience and tiles have contributed significantly to our historic built environment.
Scotland has long been perceived to be a country built of stone. Yet, recent research shows brick and other clay products like terra cotta, faience and tiles have contributed significantly to our historic built environment.
The three morning talks will explore how fired earth products have contributed to Scotland’s buildings for centuries and how these materials can be repaired and conserved.
The sessions begin with a broad overview of brick clay products, their material characteristics and the development of industrial production in the 19th century. We will then discuss how bricks and tiles were used in a range of Scottish buildings, their physical properties and variable abilities to withstand weathering and decay processes.
We will consider the repair process stages, review traditional and current repair, restoration and cleaning techniques, and discuss sustainable sourcing of replacement materials.
A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed.
In the afternoon, there will be a guided visit to the nearby Stirlingshire village of Cambusbarron where the speakers will discuss a range of brick conservation issues surrounding the converted 19th-century mill structures.
Learning outcomes
You will:
- Discover how fired earth products such as brick, terra cotta and clay tiles were used in a wide range of traditional Scottish buildings over many centuries.
- Understand the basic principles and techniques underpinning best practice in repair and conservation of traditional brickwork.
- Understand the challenges of repairing and conserving historic wall and floor tiles, including mosaics.
Speakers
- Dr Moses Jenkins, Sector Skills Manager, Historic Environment Scotland
- Darren McLean, Conservation practitioner and Cardiff University lecturer
Dates
Performances on 2/10/2026 12:00:00 AM
10 feb 2026
Tuesday 10 February 2026 9:30AM to 4:00PM
817aa22e-a1c2-478d-a33a-b14000c03f1d
Engine Shed , Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 2BY
Visit Historic Environment Scotland's Consumer Terms Site for information on our cancellation and refund policy.
Cancellation and RefundsTickets 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 ticketsWalking will be required on the afternoon tour, please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for seasonal weather as the tour will go ahead even if wet.
Afternoon tourRefreshments will be provided on arrival and lunch will be catered. Please contact our events team with any special dietary requirements.
Dietary RequirementsWe 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.
Who should attend?Read our access guide for information about accessibility at the Engine Shed.
Access guideFull-day learning experience - $85.00 (Rank = 0)
A day of talks, Q&A, networking lunch and tour of nearby Stirlingshire village Cambusbarron.
Our full-day events sell out quickly. If tickets sell out, you'll be able to join our waiting list and be first in line if we release more tickets.
Virtual learning session - $30.00 (Rank = 0)
A virtual ticket to the morning of lectures and Q&A.
Visit Historic Environment Scotland's Consumer Terms Site for information on our cancellation and refund policy.
Cancellation and RefundsTickets 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 ticketsWalking will be required on the afternoon tour, please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for seasonal weather as the tour will go ahead even if wet.
Afternoon tourRefreshments will be provided on arrival and lunch will be catered. Please contact our events team with any special dietary requirements.
Dietary RequirementsWe 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.
Who should attend?Read our access guide for information about accessibility at the Engine Shed.
Access guide