Part of Historic Environment Scotland
View out over a slate quarry on isle of Luing. Shows quarry, with town and sea behind.

Traditional Materials Framework

Supporting sustainable supply and best practice use

Traditional Materials Framework

The Traditional Materials Framework (TMF) is a tool to support the sustainable supply and best-practice use of traditional building materials in Scotland.

It focuses on seven material categories: earth, ferrous metal, lime, paint and coatings, stone and slate, thatch and timber.

The framework brings together the research and activity we deliver at Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Our TMF work is delivered under four priority areas:

1. Understanding the material

2. Identifying impacts: environmental, economic, social and cultural

3. Supporting sustainable supply

4. Enabling best-practice use

Read Traditional Materials Framework
An infographic that identifies 7 key materials: Earth, Ferrous Metal, Lime, Paint, Stone & Slate, Thatch and Timber. It also identifies the 4 priorities noted in main introduction text for this page.

Project Team

The Traditional Materials Framework is led by the Technical Conservation Team, in collaboration with teams across Historic Environment Scotland. A steering group provides operational oversight and includes a lead officer for each material. Get in touch with the team at technicalresearch@hes.scot

Our teams
Three people collecting grass for thatch. With view of a beach and sea in background.