Historic Scotland has announced progress is being made on its £8.9m Engine Shed project in Stirling.

The first stage of interior restoration and foundations of two new sheds has been completed.

The project aims to transform an unused former railway building at Forthside into a world-leading education centre for building conservation in Scotland.

The building formed part of the extensive Forthside military compound in central Stirling between 1890 and the 1980s.

The new centre will offer technical conservation courses on traditional building skills and materials, craft demonstrations, workshops, hand-on tutorials, exhibitions, summer schools, expert surgeries and weekend/evening events.

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The construction phase started in May 2015.

Historic Scotland is using its expertise in traditional building skills and materials to work closely with Esh Border Construction to convert the existing shed and develop the new sheds.

Central to the design of the project is the retention of the existing Engine Shed building, with the addition of two new contemporary sheds either side.

The interior walls of the Engine Shed have been restored and the floor has been returned to its original level.

Existing openings are being restored to their original proportions, with others being created to provide access to the new sheds.

Historic Scotland Project Manager, Peter Buchanan, said: "Our aim is to retain and disturb as little as possible of the original fabric and character of the building and upgrade it with minimal impact, using modern and traditional building skills.

"The form of the new sheds is a simple, clear span structure with a pitched roof. This concept is taken from the traditional approach to railway architecture, where a simple design for a shed is repeated until the required amount of accommodation is achieved.

The new centre will open in summer 2016.

The Engine Shed will also take part in the Doors Open Day, taking place on 12 September between 10am – 4pm.

(LM)