SSLG logo

Scottish Stone Liaison Group

Seeking to ensure the availability of indigenous materials and skills
for the care and maintenance, and future, of Scotland's built heritage


Links

Professional institutes

Royal Institute of British Architects
From the site: "The Royal Institute of British Architects, one of the most influential architectural institutions in the world, has been promoting architecture and architects since being awarded its Royal Charter in 1837. Then the RIBA's remit was 'the general advancement of architecture'. Today's mission statement continues to embody these sentiments."
[http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/Home.html]

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
From the site: "The RIAS is the professional institute for all chartered architects in Scotland. It has charitable status and offers a wide range of services and products for architects, students of architecture, construction industry professionals and all those with an interest in the built environment and the design process."
[http://www.rias.org.uk]

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland
From the site: "The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland is a national association of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the global professional body of surveyors. The Scottish membership consists of over 9000 members, students and probationers with its headquarters in Manor Place, in Edinburgh. The mission of RICS Scotland is to develop and promote the knowledge and skills of chartered surveyors with particular reference to members operating in Scotland."
[http://www.rics-scotland.org.uk]

Institute of Historic Building Conservation
From the site: "The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is the professional institute which represents conservation professionals in the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It has approximately 1360 members, divided between 15 branches. The Institute exists to establish the highest standards of conservation practice to support the effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment."
[http://www.ihbc.org.uk/]

The Geological Society
From the site: "The Geological Society of London (1807) is the UK national society for geoscience. It is a learned and professional body, and a registered charity. It exists to promote the geosciences and the professional interests of UK geoscientists."
[http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/]

Education and training

Historic Scotland
From the site: "Historic Scotland safeguards the nation's built heritage and promotes its understanding and enjoyment on behalf of Scottish Ministers. In our web site you can find information on more than 300 properties in our care and Scotland's listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments. We also have resources for schools and details on technical conservation and research."
[http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk]

Construction Industry Training Board
From the site: "The mission of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is to promote and facilitate the training of sufficient people in the skills needed for a world-class construction industry."
[http://www.citb.org.uk]

National Heritage Training Group
From the site: "Web site will be live in late May 2004."
[http://www.nhtg.org]

Scottish Lime Centre Trust
From the site: "The Scottish Lime Centre provides specialist advice and training in the use of lime-based materials for the conservation and repair of Scotland's traditional buildings, offering, through CHARLESTOWN WORKSHOPS, a range of training workshops and longer courses for the industry, professionals and homeowners. Charlestown Workshops also acts as distributor for a range of environmentally conscious building, finishing and decorating materials."
[http://www.scotlime.org]

Quinque Foundation
From the site: "Quinque Foundation is a private US-based family foundations whose mission is to contribute to the advancement of training and skills needed to preserve and conserve built and natural heritage."
[http://www.quinquefoundation.org/]

Inverness College
From the site: "Inverness College will provide quality education and training to meet the needs of the local and national economy and the communities it serves."
[http://www.uhi.ac.uk/INVERNESS.HTM]

Dynamic Earth
From the site: "Our Dynamic Earth is one of Edinburgh's most exciting, "must see" attractions. Take a thrilling journey back in time and learn about our planet Earth."
[http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/]

Consultancy and research

Building Research Establishment
From the site: "BRE is the UK's leading centre of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire and risk. We provide research-based consultancy, testing and certification services to customers world-wide. Our services are founded on but not restricted to the built environment."
[http://www.bre.co.uk]

Scottish Lime Centre Trust
From the site: "The Scottish Lime Centre provides specialist advice and training in the use of lime-based materials for the conservation and repair of Scotland's traditional buildings, offering, through CHARLESTOWN WORKSHOPS, a range of training workshops and longer courses for the industry, professionals and homeowners and, through the TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS CONSULTANCY SERVICE, a specialist on-site consultancy and a materials analysis service, to investigate and advise on problems and repairs for traditional masonry buildings. Charlestown Workshops also acts as distributor for a range of environmentally conscious building, finishing and decorating materials."
[http://www.scotlime.org]

British Geological Survey
From the site: "The mission of the British Geological Survey is to:
♦ Advance geoscientific knowledge of the United Kingdom landmass and its continental shelf by systematic surveying, long-term monitoring, effective data management and high-quality applied research.
♦ Provide comprehensive, objective, impartial and up-to-date geoscientific information, advice and services, to the client and user community in the United Kingdom and overseas, enabling safe,sustainable and efficient choices to be made in managing the environment and utilising its resources, thereby contributing to national economic competitiveness, the effectiveness of public policy and the quality of life.
♦ Disseminate information in the community, and promote the public understanding of science, to demonstrate the importance of geoscience to resource and environmental issues."
[http://www.bgs.ac.uk]

The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
From the site: "The Masonry Conservation Research Group, located in the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, is a multidisciplinary team with an international reputation in the field of masonry conservation. The research group was established in 1989. In addition to research publications in journals and conference proceedings, the results of MCRG research are widely published in formats that aim to benefit professionals and practitioners in the built environment."
[http://www2.rgu.ac.uk/schools/mcrg/mcrghome.htm]

Advanced Concrete & Masonry Centre
From the site: "The Advanced Concrete and Masonry Centre is a specialist research and consultancy body attached to the Faculty of Communications, Engineering and Science at the University of Paisley. Our interdisciplinary team of engineers and material scientists are supported by facilities of international standing. Research strengths include Self Compacting Concrete, underwater concrete, nanotechnology in building materials, lime based binders for masonry construction and factors that affect the weathering and durability of natural building stones."
[http://www-civeng.paisley.ac.uk/acm/]

Materials

The BRE / British Stone Stone List
From the site: "BRE is currently involved with a major project on the testing and assessment of natural stones currently produced in the UK. The project is part of the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) Partners in Technology Programme and is jointly funded by the DETR and the UK stone producers. The first phase of the programme began in April 1996, dealing with limestones; the second phase, on sandstones, started in the Autumn of 1997 and it is hoped that the third phase (on slates, granites and other igneous stones) will begin in May 1999 and be completed in towards the end of 2001. The results presented here represent the first output from the project and further results will be added as they become available. Some results for sandstones are included, these are based on earlier BRE research undertaken as a pilot project prior to the start of the limestone work and on the results of tests carried out for producers by other test houses."
[http://projects.bre.co.uk/ConDiv/stonelist/]

British Stone
From the site: "British Stone is the recognised marketing alliance for stone producers and processors in the UK. Established in 1996 British Stone is unique in promoting the excellence of indigenous natural stones to key decision makers at home and abroad. Objective and independent information and advice is provided on the great range of British building stones including availability, applications and performance."
[http://www.british-stone.com/]

World Stonex
From the site: "Portal for the natural stone industry. Find marble, granite, sandstone, limestone, slate and other natural stones. View catalogs of stone monuments & artifacts, and stone related machines, diamond tools and spares. Request free quotes and proposals. Read stone industry news, research & technical information."
[http://www.worldstonex.com/]

Fyfe Glenrock
From the site: "Fyfe, The Granite Masters, have more than earned their title. The company has supplied, since 1846, most of the beautiful granites that adorn Aberdeen's magnificent buildings and given the city it's international name: "The Granite City". In 1996, a dynamic new stone masonry company, Fyfe Natural Stone was formed to spearhead the United Kingdom granite marketing activities of John Fyfe. Fyfe have built what is probably the most modern granite production units of their kind in Europe. Situated at Westhill, Aberdeen, on a 12 acre site, this facility is intended to satisfy a large demand for natural granites throughout the United Kingdom and beyond."
[http://www.fyfe-glenrock.com/]

Stancliffe Group
From the site: "The Stancliffe Group are one of the largest producers and suppliers of dimensional sandstone and limestone in the British Isles. From our quarries in Derbyshire,Cumbria and Dumfries, Scotland we supply contracts ranging from a domestic garden patio to a modern office complex. We combine time-honoured stonemasons skills with the latest in modern production techniques to provide quality and choice to our customers."
[http://www.thestancliffegroup.co.uk/index2.html]

Dunhouse Natural Stone
From the site: "Dunhouse Quarries have 75 years experience in the quarrying and supply of dimensional building stone. We pride ourselves on being one of the UK's leading suppliers and offer a portfolio of natural stones for the construction industry. We are also domestic suppliers of stone flooring, stone fireplaces, walling, paving and landscaping for the home."
[http://www.dunhouse.co.uk/home.htm]

Realstone
From the site: "We are one of the most respected experts on natural stone in the United Kingdom. From ten separate quarries and three manufacturing sites, we are able to offer a huge range of high quality stone varieties and final product that is consistent with the reputation for professionalism and skill that 50 years in an exacting business has given us."
[http://www.realstone.co.uk/realstone/aboutus.htm]

Blockstone Ltd
From the site: "Block Stone Ltd is one of the UK's largest quarrying companies - producing dimensional stone block for use in the Construction Industry, across the UK and Abroad."
[http://www.blockstone.co.uk/]

Galloway Granite
From the site: "Architectural & monumental masonry of quality from UK and imported granites. Granite cladding and building facings, kerbing, steps, street furniture and turned balustrades manufactured. All types of architectural work untertaken. Memorials and Headstones from the simple to the ornate."
[http://www.gallowaygranite.co.uk/]

Johnsons Wellfield Quarries Limited
From the site: "Quarried from the heart of Yorkshire, the inherent beauty and durability of Johnsons stone ensures continued specification in a wide range of applications. From traditional masonry to corporate headquarters, explore the character and versatility of natural stone and experience the quality and prestige it brings to any project."
[http://www.johnsons-wellfield.co.uk/]

Natural-stone.com
Search for information on stone types, availability, design, testing, etc.
[http://www.natural-stone.com/index1.html]

Stone-Info.com
From the site: "Our goal is to provide architects, designers, specifiers, construction professionals & other stone buyers quick access to qualified suppliers of stone, such as granite and marble etc., and stone related products, from around the world. Our site provides concise and valuable information on product suppliers, their capability and experience, information on their product lines, and more. Web links also give access to the suppliers own web sites and/or email addresses, names, addresses & links to sales representatives and distributors in your geographical area."
[http://www.stoneinfo.com/index1.html]

StoneNetwork.com
From the site: "The on-line resource site for the stone industry and allied professions. From this web site you will be able to locate many of the world's leading quarriers and processors, suppliers of machinery, trade associations, exhibitions and numerous other related web sites that together make up over 100,000 companies globally that are all interested in one thing - the promotion of stone as the undisputed premier material whether it be for constructional, ornamental, decorative or monumental use."
[http://www.stone-network.com/]

Findstone.com
From the site: "FindStone.com is serving the worldwide dimensional stone industry since 1998 as a neutral platform for buyers and sellers to interact. All products and services pertaining to the construction stone industry are covered. Materials include granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate, sandstone, quartzite, alabaster, soapstone, onyx, and even quartz, pumice, perlite, etc. Products include blocks, slabs, tiles, countertops, monuments, and all types of artifacts and landscape products too. Stone industry related products such as tools, abrasives, earthmoving machines, quarrying machines, fabricating machines are well covered also."
[http://www.findstone.com/]

Slate World
From the site: "Products include grey, green, black, red and multicolour tiles from our quarries around the world."
[http://www.slateworld.com/]

Building restoration & conservation

Hutton + Rostron
From the site: "Hutton + Rostron was established in 1962 and began its involvement in historic building restoration in 1967. Our main areas of specialisation are in environmentally friendly control of dry rot and decay, control of moisture, and building monitoring systems, and as such, the business is divided into several main areas: Surveys, ... Curator (automatic building monitoring systems for monitoring moisture, movement etc.) and ... Resurgam (...in-house specialists in masonry decay and repair)."
[http://www.handr.co.uk]

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
From the site: "The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage. We advise. We educate. We campaign. We offer help when it's wanted and informed resistance when we are alarmed. We encourage excellence in new design to enrich and complement the historic environment."
[http://www.spab.org.uk/]

The Scottish Civic Trust
From the site: "The Scottish Civic Trust was founded in 1967 and is Scotland’s only voluntary organisation working to raise the quality of the whole built environment. We encourage excellence in the conservation of the past, in contemporary architecture and planning and in effective public education and participation in all these concerns. The Trust’s principal aim is to encourage: public concern for the urban and rural environment, high quality in the planning and construction of new buildings, the conservation and/or adaptation for re-use of older buildings of distinction or historic interest, informed and effective input into planning matters and the elimination of ugliness, whether resulting from social, deprivation, bad design or neglect."
[http://www.scottishcivictrust.org.uk/]

Institute of Historic Building Conservation
From the site: "The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is the professional institute which represents conservation professionals in the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Institute exists to establish the highest standards of conservation practice to support the effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment."
[http://www.ihbc.org.uk/]

The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland
From the site: "The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland is concerned with the protection, preservation, study and appreciation of Scottish buildings. We have about 1500 members throughout Scotland and beyond, with six regional groups organising local activities and carrying out casework. We have two publications, the annual journal Architectural Heritage and the twice-yearly Magazine, and we have our own premises, providing offices and meeting rooms, the former Glasite Meeting House in the Edinburgh New Town."
[http://www.ahss.org.uk/index.html]

English Heritage
From the site: "It is our job at English Heritage to make sure that the historic environment of England is properly maintained and cared for. By employing some of the country's very best architects, archaeologists and historians, we aim to help people understand and appreciate why the historic buildings and landscapes around them matter. From the first traces of civilisation, to the most significant buildings of the 20th century, we want every important historic site to get the care and attention it deserves."
[http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/default.asp]

Edinburgh World Heritage Trust
From the site: "The centre of Edinburgh was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. In 1999 the EDINBURGH WORLD HERITAGE TRUST was created by the amalgamation of the Old Town Renewal Trust and the New Town Conservation Committee. The Trust is funded by Historic Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council. The aim of the Trust is to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Site's special architectural or historic interest. The Trust seeks to co-ordinate activities necessary for the protection of the heritage value of the Site through its controlled development and its harmonious adaptation to contemporary life."
[http://www.ewht.org.uk/]

Glasgow Conservation Trust West
From the site: "The Glasgow Conservation Trust West is a registered charity with a remit to conserve and promote the historic West End of Glasgow, one of the finest examples of Victorian town development in Britain. In partnership with Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland, the Trust encourages original research, publishes conservation information, co-ordinates capital grants for restoration projects and promotes activities to enhance public appreciation of our architectural heritage."
[http://users.colloquium.co.uk/~GLASGOWWEST/home.htm]

Conservation Technologies, Liverpool, UK
From the site: "At Conservation Technologies, we combine the latest in laser cleaning and scanning technology with traditional conservation skills to provide a range of conservation, 3D recording, replication and training services."
[http://www.conservationcentre.org.uk/technologies/]

Building trade associations

Stone Federation GB
From the site: "Stone Federation Great Britain co-ordinates all aspects of the industry and provides specifiers and users with a first point of contact for information, advice and guidance in sourcing appropriate material and a reliable service. Most leading companies and organisations in the stone industry are members of SFGB, the official Trade Association. SFGB represents employers, liaises with government on legal affairs, health and safety, technical standards, craftsmanship, training and education."
[http://www.stone-federationgb.org.uk]

Scottish Building
Scottish Building logo From the site: "The Scottish Building Employers' Federation came into existence over 100 years ago to promote the Scottish building industry. It now encompasses in excess of 20 Member Associations and is recognized by Unions and Local and National Government as the spokesbody for the building industry in Scotland. Even though the Federation is steeped in over 100 years of history we are looking forward to an exciting future. We bring new services to our members which enable them to run more efficient enterprises. We provide leadership and help mould the environment in which our members operate, whereby they can observe the advantages of Federation membership."
[http://www.scottish-building.co.uk]

National Federation of Roofing Contractors
From the site: "The National Federation of Roofing Contractors is the UK's leading trade association for the roofing industry. Its Mission Statement is 'to promote trade members to gain more work and through this achievement to help Associate members to sell more products and collectively to achieve quality installation.'"
[http://www.nfrc.co.uk]

Institute of Quarrying
From the site: "The Institute of Quarrying is the international professional body for quarrying, construction materials and the related extractive and processing industries, with 6,000 members in some 50 countries of the world. Membership is open to individuals, rather than companies, and the Institute's long-term objective is to promote progressive improvements in all aspects of operational performance through the medium of education and training at supervisory and management level."
[http://www.inst-of-quarrying.org/iq/]

Representative groups

Scottish Landowners Federation
From the site: "The Scottish Landowners' Federation is the nationally recognised body representing all those involved in the ownership and management of rural land in Scotland. Founded in 1906, the SLF is non-party political body, committed to working with the Government of the day to achieve our objectives. The current membership of some 3,500, spans the whole spectrum of holding sizes, types, locations and management objectives...ranging from large Highland sporting estates, through mixed upland farming and forestry estates to small farms and residential properties in Lowland Scotland."
[http://www.slf.org.uk]

Sources of information

Scottish Executive, Architects Office
From the site: "The Scottish Executive is the devolved government for Scotland. It is responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport, and manages an annual budget of around 20 billion."
[http://www.scotland.gov.uk/]

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
From the site: "The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) records and interprets the sites, monuments and buildings of Scotland's past, promotes a greater appreciation of their value through the maintenance of the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS) and presents them by means of publications and exhibitions."
[http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/]

Heritage Link
From the site: "Heritage Link brings people together who care about our heritage to formulate policy, influence opinion and achieve change on issues of common concern. We aim to do this through undertaking research, gathering data, marshalling arguments and deploying all of these through intelligent lobbying where they are likely to have most impact. Heritage Link is an umbrella group formed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the heritage sector. We also have many supporters with whom we share common cause, including bodies in the natural environment sector, government departments and agencies, universities, and professional and commercial bodies."
[http://www.britarch.ac.uk/heritagelink/index.asp]

Heritage Information
From the site: "The site that provides free, easy access to information about restoring and repairing your historic building or garden. The UK has an abundance of fine buildings, gardens and parks, and repairing and conserving them is a major task. Heritage Information is an online fund of information that brings together everyone and everything involved: skilled craftsmen, experts, consultants, training courses & grants, products, books, news and jobs."
[http://www.heritageinformation.org.uk]

Scottish Enterprise
From the site: "Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main economic development agency, funded by the Scottish Executive. Our mission is to help the people and businesses of Scotland succeed. In doing so, we aim to build a world-class economy."
[http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/]

Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS)
From the site: "The aim of SCOTS is to be in a position to give policy advice on a national basis and be a forum for professional advice and interchange of information on all policy matters on transportation in the widest sense including roads, transportation, public transport and related issues concerning land use, development and the physical environment."
[http://www.scots-website.org.uk/]

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
From the site: "SEPA's main aim is to provide an efficient and integrated environmental protection system for Scotland that will both improve the environment and contribute to the Scottish Ministers' goal of sustainable development."
[http://www.sepa.org.uk]

Scottish Natural Heritage
From the site: "[The aims of SNH] are:
♦ to safeguard and enhance Scotland's natural heritage, particularly its natural, genetic and scenic diversity;
♦ to foster awareness and understanding of the natural heritage;
♦ to promote enjoyment of, and responsible public access to, the natural heritage in ways which do not damage it;
♦ to encourage public support and voluntary effort for the benefit of the environment;
♦ to promote improvement of the natural heritage in and around towns and cities, where most of Scotland's people live; and
♦ to encourage environmental sustainability in all forms of economic activity."
[http://www.snh.org.uk]

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
From the site: "ODPM was created as a central department in its own right in May 2002. It is responsible for policy on housing, planning, devolution, regional and local government and the fire service. It also takes responsibility for the Social Exclusion Unit, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and the Government Offices for the Regions."
[http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/homepage/odpm_home_index.htm/]

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
From the site: "CABE is the champion for architecture in England. Our function is to promote high standards in the design of buildings and the spaces between them. We are here to help and offer advice to all those who create, manage and use the built environment."
[http://www.cabe.org.uk/]

Cultural Heritage Search Engine
A search engine about the conservation of cultural heritage From the site: "Preservation and conservation database: A search engine about the conservation of cultural heritage, restoration and maintenance of the architecture and preservation of the urban landscape. Cultural Heritage Search Engine is a website promoted from the technical office of architect Sergio Tinè."
[http://www.culturalheritage.net/]

Abacus Construction Index
From the site: "A free directory to more than 4,000 recommended websites and online documents for UK construction professionals. Also covers Case Studies and Email Newsletters."
[http://www.construction-index.com]

European Masonry Data Bank
From the site: "European Masonry Data Bank (EMDB) is an on-line collaborative data base for the support and co-operation of masonry related research and testing activities. The purpose of EMDB is to collect basic data on experimental and numerical research of masonry carried out in European countries and worldwide. The idea of collecting data was generated from need for promotion and upgrade of the efficiency of research on masonry."
[http://itc.fgg.uni-lj.si/emdb/]

RIGS (Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites
From the site: "Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS), designated by locally developed criteria, are currently the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The designation of RIGS is one way of recognising and protecting important Earth science and landscape features for future generations to enjoy. UKRIGS is made up of the membership of RIGS groups across the British Isles and exists to promote RIGS for education and public benefit."
[http://www.ukrigs.org.uk/]

www.scottishgraveyards.org.uk
From the site: "The website offers:

  • Guidance on graveyard recording and conservation
  • Details of forthcoming events, books and articles, and news on graveyards
  • A space for posting queries and local news
  • An opportunity for you to make others aware of your recording or conservation project."
[http://www.scottishgraveyards.org.uk/index.shtml]

Highland Council
From the site: "We provide a wide range of services to the people of the Highlands."
[http://www.highland.gov.uk/]

 

Latest revision: 10th August 2006
To have your web site included in this page, or for any other queries, contact:
m.young@rgu.ac.uk


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