Part of Historic Environment Scotland
Two conservation scientists examine a building material under a microscope in a lab

Conservation Science

The Conservation Science team analyses building materials to help conserve more than 300 properties in Historic Environment Scotland’s care.

About the team

Scientific analysis of building materials is vital to help conserve the more than 300 properties in Historic Environment Scotland’s care, and is this team’s focus. On-site analysis using non-destructive testing methods is the preferred approach wherever possible, as this minimises the impact on historic fabric.

The Conservation Science Team works closely with industry, and with other conservation bodies to deliver analysis to aid the curation of diverse objects. Strongly supportive of new research into Scottish building materials, the team typically supervises at least 15 PhD students at any one time.

A conservation scientist uses scientific equipment to examine a piece of stone

Team Members

A headshot of Aurelie Turmel smiling
A headshot of Dr Maureen Young smiling
A portrait photo of Sarah Hamilton smiling
A portrait photo of Callum Graham