A World Leader In Heritage

The Engine Shed is a powerhouse of conservation tech and expertise

IF any building leads the way in Scotland in terms of restoration and conservation, it’s surely the Engine Shed. Part of an old military complex on the banks of the Forth near Cambuskenneth, it is Scotland’s National Building Conservation Centre.

Opened in 2017 and run by Historic Environment Scotland, the building offers public access six days a week and is a learning and tourism resource for all of Scotland.

Events are structured to suit a range of technical understanding, from family-friendly to professional. You might want to investigate materials used in traditional buildings, or simply to join a sketching class.

Events change week to week. General admission is free, although there are some paid events.

One exhibition attracting a great deal of interest is the story of seven stonemasons who left Edinburgh New Town in 1794 to help build the White House in Washington. While Scottish craftsmanship was in demand over 200 years ago, the art of conservation and restoration is being spread worldwide today thanks to the Engine Shed. The exhibition runs until April, 2019.

“There are a few places in the UK which focus on particular aspects of what we do at the Engine Shed but internationally it is fairly unique,” says HES director of conservation Dr David Mitchell. “A number of high-level overseas delegations have come to see how we operate.

“Scotland is world-leading in the research and delivery of the conservation of traditional buildings and materials.

“The Engine Shed is home to our technical experts, our science teams and our digital team who laser-scan buildings and bring them to life in three dimensions.

“Our outreach team deliver educational activity in Stirling and across Scotland. We run courses and events to raise standards but a key aspect of the Engine Shed is