Traditional crafts on show

Hands-on heritage is coming to Charlestown

Lime slaking, stone carving, harling and roofing are just some of the skills that will be on show at a free celebration event organised by the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI).

Hands-on Heritage is taking place from 11am to 3pm tomorrow on the Green in Charlestown.

Over the last four years IFLI-funded projects have included consolidating Charlestown’s limekilns and nearby Kennetpans, where traditional building practices were important.

Organisers said it felt right to celebrate the achievements with an event giving local people a chance to try some of these skills out for themselves.

IFLI is organising the event in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Lime Centre.

There will be demonstrations and have-a-go sessions for many traditional crafts, including stonecarving and letter-cutting, slaking lime, plaster on lath and decorative plaster cast painting. The event will also feature slate roofing demonstrations, heritage walks and a rare chance to see inside Charlestown’s limekilns.

The event is part of IFLI’s goal to celebrate the wildlife and history of the area with free family events happening all around the Inner Forth.

All the events will be free, thanks to the way IFLI is funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.