DUMFRIES and Galloway Council has recently commissioned a traditional building skills audit to find out what craftsmen are based locally.
They want to understand the full breadth of the traditional building skills that are available in the region and to identify ways in which businesses could be supported to develop this area of work in future.
Over 20 per cent of houses in Dumfries and Galloway are traditionally constructed, with many dating from the 19th century. As well as the many historic town centres and villages, there are fine farm complexes, churches and other historic houses which are traditionally built.
Traditional building methods require a range of skills with masonry, joinery and roofing being key trades. The use of lime in masonry, the accurate replication of mouldings in joinery and the detailing of lead in roofing are examples of the traditional skills currently believed to be in short supply locally. This situation is not unique to Dumfries and Galloway with concern about low capacity in stonemasonry at a national level.
In the longer term it is hoped that the audit will provide the springboard for creation of traditional building skills training opportunities in the region, enabling businesses to expand their offer and increase their customer base. It may be possible to develop specific accreditation which could help contractors with obtaining work as well as ensuring the region’s traditional buildings are better maintained and repaired.
This work is being enabled by funding from Historic Environment Scotland and DGC as part of the Stranraer and Dumfries Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) with the aim of protecting traditional buildings, supporting local businesses and developing capacity in the local workforce.
The project is being carried out by Savills Dumfries and architect
Michael Leybourne said: “The skills of properly trained operatives are critical in preserving and maintaining the many historic buildings in the region.”
