Western Isles Thatch Audit
In Na h-Eileanan Siar (the Western Isles) and across Scotland, the conservation of thatched buildings is being impacted by the difficulty of sourcing traditional, local thatching materials. As a result, many buildings have been re-thatched with materials that do not match their original roof coverings or that have been transported long distances.
HES has carried out extensive research into historical thatching techniques and the use of thatch in Scotland. The availability of thatching materials however has changed over time, due mainly to changing agronomy, culture, regulations and climate. Against that backdrop, HES have commissioned this report as a resource to support and safeguard the availability of materials used for thatching in the Western Isles and Scotland. The report summarises research into natural and cultivated thatching materials in the Western Isles and makes recommendations for future research.
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Audiences
Corporate Interest Users, Researchers, Conservation and Heritage Enthusiasts
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Contact
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Date Published
30 January 2026
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Publisher
Historic Environment Scotland
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Publication Types
Research, Research and Study Report
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Format(s)
Download PDF
Western Isles Thatch Audit (6.78 MB) -
Language
English
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Subjects
Materials
