Lime Mortar: Principles and Practices
An introduction to the practical and scientific use of traditional lime for building purposes in Scotland.
Lime is a traditional bedding, pointing and finishing material in Scotland’s historic built environment. These three morning talks will start with the basic principles of processing raw limestone or shells into mortar and plaster. We will also share current best practice and the innovative techniques used to identify (and replicate) parts for conservation and repair projects.
A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed.
In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to discuss a wide range of conservation issues.
For those who cannot join us in person, a virtual ticket is available for the morning only.
Learning outcomes
You will:
understand the basic principles and techniques of processing lime for traditional building purposes
learn how centuries of lime-working in Scotland has informed current best practice in repair and conservation
understand the value of undertaking lab-based mortar analysis to inform the specification of conservation and repair project work
Dates
Performances on 3/17/2026 12:00:00 AM
Lime Mortar: Principles and Practices
Tuesday 17 March 2026 9:30AM to 4:00PM
0d4b27cf-a5fb-4bf4-aa7f-b0d7010865f4
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.
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 ticketsRead our access guide for information about accessibility at the Engine Shed.
Access guideWalking will be required on the afternoon tour, so 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 requirementsVisit Historic Environment Scotland's Consumer Terms Site for information on our cancellation and refund policy.
Refunds and cancellations- Morning Learning Session (virtual) - $30.00 (Rank = 0)
Online access to the morning of lectures and Q&A.
- Full Day Experience (in person) - $85.00 (Rank = 0)
A morning of lectures, Q&A and networking lunch at the Engine Shed in Stirling, plus the afternoon walking tour of Stirling Old Town.
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.
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.
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 ticketsRead our access guide for information about accessibility at the Engine Shed.
Access guideWalking will be required on the afternoon tour, so 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 requirementsVisit Historic Environment Scotland's Consumer Terms Site for information on our cancellation and refund policy.
Refunds and cancellations