A graduation ceremony has been held for the first building trainees who have gained historic building skills - thanks to a flagship heritage and conservation project to repair and protect historic Dalkeith.

The trainees were awarded their Certificates at a formal ceremony in the Council Chamber hosted by Councillor Russell Imrie, Cabinet Member for Strategic Services at Midlothian Council.

The trainees learned their new skills – in making and mixing traditional mortar, masonry repair, ashlar pointing and limewash, and traditional paint finishes – both ‘on the job’ on restoration sites in Dalkeith and ‘in the classroom’ at Telford College in Edinburgh.

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The Dalkeith Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS)is a £1.9m programme of renovation and regeneration work to improve historic Dalkeith town centre. Telford College is the appointed training provider to the scheme.

Councillor Imrie said: "In addition to restoring and renovating ‘at risk’ buildings, the Dalkeith Townscape Heritage Initiative and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme is also about equipping tomorrow’s workforce with the skills needed for this kind of work – and I congratulate all our trainees on their achievements."

Rod Lugg, project manager, added: "We’ve also produced a new Training Catalogue – offering free training in basic maintenance for owners of historic buildings. As well as teaching new skills to the builders, we’re also trying to teach property owners how a bit of basic maintenance now can save a potentially bigger problem – and costly repair – later."

The winners of the Dalkeith Best Shopfront Design competition - also organised by Dalkeith THI and CARS - were presented with their Certificates by Councillor Imrie and Jo Robinson, Editor of ‘The Midlothian Advertiser’.

Colin Tennant, Head of Skills and Materials at Historic Scotland, presented the trainees with their building skills Certificates.

(GK)