Inverness College UHI announces plans to launch second series of Architectural Masterclasses

The photograph shows satisfied participants at Fort George where the final day was spent learning practical conservation skills in a range of disciplines.

Following a successful programme of Architectural Conservation Masterclasses this year, Inverness College UHI has announced plans to run another series in the next academic year in association with Historic Scotland and Highland Council.

The highly popular Masterclasses, delivered on a monthly basis from October 2010 until March 2011, attracted a full attendance on each occasion – prompting plans to run a second series to meet popular demand.

Delivered in partnership with Historic Scotland, the programme of five Architectural Conservation Masterclasses was the first of its kind to run in the North of Scotland, with sessions also transmitted via video conferencing to students in both Orkney and Shetland.

The classes, which covered a range of topics from Building Standards to Use of Lime Mortars, Conservation of Stonework, Slating and Leadwork and Structural Timberwork, provided a mix of practical and theory-based learning, educating candidates in promoting good practice and policy in architectural conservation. 

The series culminated in the students enjoying hands-on practical experience in a Conservation Workshop delivered by Historic Scotland trade specialists on March 19 this year.

With support from Inverness City Heritage Trust, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Independent Architects and the Scottish Stone Liaison Group, those who compleed the programme and final workshop were awarded a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificate.

All presentations on the course were well-received by the students, with speakers including leading subject experts responsible for influencing policy and the implementation of architectural conservation best practice.

Angus Macleod MBE Head of School of Construction and Forestry at Inverness College UHI: “I am delighted that the College was able to collaborate with our friends in Historic Scotland and Highland Council to run professional Masterclasses delivered by experts.

“The interest shown in conservation has been tremendous from people across the Highlands and Islands and I am delighted that the Masterclasses will do a little to help preserve our architectural heritage hopefully for generations to come. Due to the success of the classes a further series of Masterclasses is now being planned.”

Callum Maclean, an architect for Thomas Munro and Co and President of the Inverness Architects Association was a student on the Architectural Conservation Master Class.

Callum said: “The content has been of a high standard and has been very enjoyable. I have learned new technical information that can be used in practice. I would recommend the course to those looking to learn new techniques in Architectural Conservation.”

Those wishing to register their interest in the course should contact training@inverness.uhi.ac.uk.