Part of Historic Environment Scotland
A stone traditional building with two modern black extension wings either side

Traditional Skills Open Weekend

Saturday 7 March 2026 to Sunday 8 March 2026

Engine Shed

Family friendly, Enthusiast

Least technical

Event Description

The Engine Shed is Scotland’s first dedicated building conservation centre, a dynamic hub of digital innovation, heritage science, and an accredited training centre.

On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March, you can learn about, and even have a chance to try, some of the incredible traditional skills that are vital to protect Scotland’s buildings and monuments. We’ll have a range of experts here over the weekend, from senior practitioners to current trainees and apprentices as well as some of our sector partners, who will demonstrate their skills and then let you have a go too! Our hands-on activities will include:

  • Stonemasonry
  • Blacksmithing
  • Stained glass conservation
  • Slate roofing
  • Heritage paint making
  • Paper conservation

Discover what's inside the Engine Shed and learn about its history, how it was made using traditional materials in a contemporary way, and how we recycled many other materials during the restoration. You can see the digital resources we use, including a giant 3D printer, a Digital Imaging Lab and ‘The Cube’, one of our cutting-edge immersive hubs.

We’ll have other exciting demonstrations and information available over the weekend too, including the chance for you to find out more about career pathways in the Heritage sector.

No booking is necessary.

Saturday 7 March 2026

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Sunday 8 March 2026

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Engine Shed

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