Scottish Stone Liaison Group

Scotland’s rich geological diversity beneath ground is reflected in the quality of the stone built heritage above. This geological diversity provides us with regional variations in our buildings which add to their distinctive identity, but also present us with a number of challenges.

An unprecedented amount of research into the preservation of natural stone buildings, traditional skills and the availability of material has been completed in the last year. Evidence shows that the vast majority of visitors to Scotland - over 85 percent - see a historic building during their stay. This reinforces the need to ensure that our stone built heritage is well cared for. To gain a full up-date on the research undertaken and to learn more about the role you can play in encouraging the continued use of stone, please come to the Stone in Context conference at Stirling Tolbooth, 14-15 November 2007. Download the flyer and booking form.

1. The Natural Stone Institute Project Team

A brief description of NSI activities appears on this site. For more details about the NSI, visit the official NSI web site at http://www.nsiuk.org

The NSI is seeking to establish a UK resource centre that will enable Architects and Clients appreciate the benefits of using a product that has a life span of hundreds of years. Ultimately technical data and samples will be available. The Institute will also provide a forum for the dissemination of information and knowledge and will establish international links with similar organisations.

2. The Indigenous Materials Project Team

The Indigenous Materials Project Team has reviewed the indigenous material needs of Scotland's built heritage and resolved that the immediate priority is the re-introduction of Scottish slate production. With the last Scottish slate quarry closing around 1955 there is now a serious shortage of such slate for the maintenance of Scottish slated roofs in conservation areas.

3. The Scottish Stone Industry Project Team

Primarily this Committee will seek to ensure the viability of a healthy indigenous industry and will actively encourage the opening of dimensional stone quarries. Training, in all its aspects, is recognised as being the key issue as are lobbying, planning policies, and establishing links with international organisations. The Team is actively reviewing the current skills base and developing the question of "conservation training" at craft level.