Inverness College UHI hones building skills with Architectural Conservation Master Classes

Building trade enthusiasts will put their new-found Architectural Conservation skills to the test when a series of Inverness College UHI-run Master Classes come to a climax with a practical workshop at the historic Fort George, Ardersier on Saturday.

Delivered in partnership with Historic Scotland, the programme of five Architectural Conservation Master Classes is the first of its kind in the North of Scotland and will culminate in the students getting hands-on practical experience in a Conservation Workshop delivered by Historic Scotland trade specialists on March 19.

The classes, which have been rolled out on a monthly basis since October, provided a mix of practical and theory-based learning, educating candidates in promoting good practice and policy in architectural conservation through practical demonstrations of technical skills and developments in the industry.

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

October’s programme-opening class focused on principles and good practice in building standards, which was followed by sessions in the use of lime mortars and techniques for the conservation of stonework. In the New Year, the focus shifted to slating and lead work, while structural timberwork was the fifth and final topic.

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.

Lucy Vaughan, Regional Architect for Historic Scotland commented: “Historic Scotland are delighted to be involved in a programme of this nature and, such has been its success, that we have been video conferencing the Master Classes to Orkney and Shetland, as well as delivering them in Inverness.

“Our partnership with Inverness College UHI, Inverness City Heritage Trust and the Scottish Stone Liaison Group has been highly productive, resulting in a significant and notable enthusiasm in the programme from the audience to date.

“Historic Scotland has had lecturing input from our three district architects based at Fort George, as well as Ewan Hyslop and Graham Campbell from our Elgin Training Unit. As a result, the planning for the Conservation Workshop on March 19 is progressing well and we are very much looking forward to delivering it to the students.”

Angus MacLeod MBE, Head of School of Construction at Inverness College UHI commented: “The architectural renovation master class is relevant to a cross section of the “building trade” from an enthusiast renovating an old property to businesses such as builders, architects and tradesmen, offering services on a commercial basis.

“We are delighted to have secured such distinguished partners on the course which has helped make the architectural conservation master class such a success.”

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.

For more information on the Architectural Conservation Master Class please call Stephen Wells Business Development Officer at Inverness College UHI 01463 273660. For further information on any other courses available at Inverness College UHI please call 01463 273000 or visit www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk.