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Two people standing behind a table, smiling. They are holding tools and on the table there are lead beaters and two lead trays

Looking to learn?

Explore our courses and resources

Learning

Kick-start a career in building conservation, with our advice on skills and training. We also have learning resources and activities to inspire younger learners.

Three learners looking at a presentation slide of 'Impact of condensation'.

Energy efficiency measures for older and traditional buildings

Work towards this Level 3 award in energy efficiency with our building conservation experts.

A large grey stone castle surrounded by temporary fencing with the entrance covered in scaffolding.

Building conservation week

Learn about different aspects of traditional building conservation with this five-day programme.

A group of people chiseling wood in a workshop

Skills and training advice

Find out about training and skills development within the historic environment in Scotland.

Two children making a wall out of tiny mini bricks

Fun for families

Bring Scotland’s built heritage to life with our free activities for all the family.

Training and learning events

A stained glass window featuring a woman picking orange tulips
Technical Conservation

Conserving Scotland’s Stained Glass

Tue 9 Sep 2025

A day focussing on the historic use of decorative glass in Scotland’s traditional architecture, with a special focus on conservation best practice.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

An old looking industrial building in a neglected state, taken from just outside the open doorway. The brickwork is stained with some windows boarded up, and others broken. Weeds and small trees are growing on the grounds.
Building Management

An Introduction to Building Conservation

Tue 7 Oct 2025

We will introduce you to the essential principles of building conservation in Scotland.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

An aerial view of a castle surrounded by floodwater
Research

Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Adaptive Re-use of Buildings

Thu 16 Oct 2025

We will discuss climate change and the significant issues impacting Scotland’s historic environment. We will also examine the basic principles of making traditional Scottish buildings more energy efficient, with insights into current practical techniques.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

A person's hand picks up a small circular metal disc from a selection on the viewing platform of a microscope-like machine.
Building Management

Heritage Science at the Engine Shed

Tue 11 Nov 2025

An introduction to the applied use of material science in heritage conservation in Scotland.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

Close up of a gloved left hand of a restoration worker reaching out to touch an old fashioned slate roof. Some of the dark grey slates are not straight, with gaps in between.
Building Management

Traditional Building Maintenance with optional Stirling maintenance walk

Thu 20 Nov 2025

We will explore how to reduce decay and damage in buildings with regular maintenance.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

A collage of maps and planning documents sitting on a table, with a pen. Some of the maps are historic, others modern Ordnance Survey versions.
Structures & Components

Heritage Planning

Wed 26 Nov 2025

We will provide an overview of the legislative framework governing how Scotland’s historic environment is managed and protected.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

An ornate sequence of red and blue tiles on the outside wall of a building, with windows above and below.
Building Management

Historic Bricks and Tiles

Tue 10 Feb 2026

An introduction to the conservation of fired clay products in Scotland’s historic built environment, with a focus on historic brickwork and tiling.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

A close-up photo of a gargoyle type face on the side of a medieval abbey. The face is a human one, and is smiling, with the features eroded by the weather.
Building Management

Stone in Scotland: Past, Present and Future

Tue 24 Feb 2026

An introduction to stone, Scotland’s preeminent building material. We will share information on developments for its conservation and future use.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

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Building Management

Lime Mortar: Principles and Practices

Tue 17 Mar 2026

An introduction to the practical and scientific use of traditional lime for building purposes in Scotland.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

A bell shaped tiled roof of a turreted building, with chimneys in the background. The roof has a spike on the top and the sky is blue with scattered clouds.
Building Management

Scottish Roofing: Materials and Practices

Tue 31 Mar 2026

An introduction to traditional roofing materials and techniques in Scotland, with guidance on current best practice and an update on recent HES slate quarry initiatives.

Engine Shed

Enthusiast, Professional

Quite technical

View all events