Lime Projects

Call for case studies on paints and coatings for lime substrates

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is collaborating with Historic England on a joint programme of research into paints and coatings for external timber, lime and metal. We are interested in hearing about any recent, current or proposed projects which could help inform future research and best practice guidance. Find out more and submit a project through our call for case studies.

Lime finishes in Scotland

The PhD research on the evidence for, extent of historic use, and role of lime finishes in Scotland was undertaken by Dr Tim Meek and jointly funded by HES and the University of Stirling. It led to publication of two technical papers:

Technical Paper 31 sets out the historical background to external lime coatings on traditional buildings in Scotland and includes a series of case studies demonstrating evidence for how and why these finishes were applied.
Technical Paper 33 presents evidence for the variety of historic pointing and joint finishing styles found in Scotland from the 17th to 20th centuries.

A section of a stone wall that has light lime mortar lines between the stones.

Lime mortar finishes on a traditional stone wall.

What’s the Point? Symposia

Building on Technical Papers 31 and 33, a series of symposia have been delivered by the Lime Finishes Group, HES and Historic England:

‘What’s the Point?’ was held at the Engine Shed, Stirling in September 2024. A HES blog identifies some of the important outcomes.
‘What’s the Point? 2’ was held in York in April 2026. Synopses and recordings of the talks are now available.
‘What’s the Point? 3’ is scheduled to return to the Engine Shed, Stirling on 12 to 13 May 2027, focusing on the relationship between culture, climate and resilience. Contact technicaleducation@hes.scot for more information on how to submit a paper.

Surface finish survey tool

HES has developed a survey application tool to record the presence of surface finish on buildings. This tool was developed with assistance from Dr Tim Meek, following methodologies employed within his PhD research, and was adapted from the methodology presented in Technical Paper 33. The tool allows for the rapid on-site recording of the presence of surface finish, documenting information on location, exposure, coverage, and thickness. It is currently being employed as part of the HES PIC Stone Survey project.

Understanding historic mortars in Scotland

HES has developed a database to integrate the results of over 3,000 mortar analysis reports from the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, enabling this data to be interrogated in more detail. Technical Paper 32 sets out some of the research questions addressed as well as limitations (and future opportunities) of the project.

Two hands wearing PPE gloves, holding a mortar sample in one hand and plastic dropper bottle in the second.

A scientist conducts mortar analysis. Specifiers are often unaware of the range of mortar analysis options available, what type of analysis to use, and how to interpret or apply the results.

Lime Guidance

HES has produced a number of technical guidance documents on lime.