The Cabinet Secretary for Cultural and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop is urging the Scottish public to get involved in protecting the nation’s built heritage.

Figures have been revealed which show a majority of pre-1919 traditional buildings in Scotland are in need of repair.

The call came as the Cabinet Secretary was speaking at the Stimulating Demand for Traditional Skills Ministerial Summit at Forth Valley College in Stirling yesterday.

Ms Hyslop told the audience about a pilot Traditional Building Healthcheck Scheme being organised by Historic Scotland.

The Scheme is intended to help owners identify and solve problems to do with the upkeep of traditional buildings.

Ms Hyslop said traditional skills could encourage employment and sustainable housing, tackle climate change and assist economic recovery.

-- Advertisement --

75% of Scotland’s 455,000 traditional dwellings show disrepair to critical elements, such as roofing and external walls, according to figures released at yesterday’s summit. 53% of the buildings are also in need of urgent repair.

Ms Hyslop said: "Scotland’s built heritage is central to our understanding of who we are, and where we come from. It defines our character and reveals much about our interaction with the natural world. Traditional dwellings are a hallmark of our creativity, ingenuity and practical prowess, yet few people realise that much of this irreplaceable resource is in serious decline."

ConstructionSkills Scotland is partnering with Historic Scotland on the Scheme.

The organisation’s Director, Graeme Ogilvy said: "The aim of the scheme from a construction point of view will be to stimulate the repair and maintenance market. The inspections will be independent, and contractors with the appropriate skills and qualifications will be appointed to undertake any work identified.

"The project will create more work for construction companies in Scotland, by enabling them to understand the criteria for becoming an approved contractor, and open up new work opportunities. In addition, it will drive up demand for repair and maintenance activities and will consequently increase demand for training and skills."

(IT)