Lime Mortar: Principles and Practices

Lime is a traditional bedding and pointing 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, you will be shown how and where to look for lime finishes, how to characterise them and interpret the underlying masonry style as evidence of former finishes. In addition, you will look at the hierarchy of elevations and how this might impact finish interpretation and style.

For those who cannot join us in person, a virtual ticket is available for the morning learning session. This will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, and the joining link will be sent to you a week before the event.

Learning outcomes

You will:

1. Understand the basic principles and techniques of processing lime for traditional building purposes.
2. Learn how centuries of lime-working in Scotland have informed current best practice in repair and conservation.
3. Understand the value of undertaking lab-based mortar analysis to inform the specification of conservation and repair project work.

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.

This learning session can be used towards your continued professional development (CPD). A certificate of attendance will be issued following participation.