Argyll and Bute Council has hosted an event for budding stonemasons, slaters, building surveyors and bricklayers the opportunity to try their hand at traditional building skills.

Aimed at pupils thinking about a career path in the construction industry, S1-3 pupils gained hands on experience with practical activities.

The roadshow visited pupils at Lochgilphead High School, Dunoon Grammar, Rothesay Joint Campus and Hermitage Academy.

Funded by Argyll and Bute Council, the week-long taster sessions are part of the council's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), Townscape Heritage initiative and the national Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Build Your Future training programme.

Specialist trainers were on hand to help pupils try out a number of activities including: Stonemasonry; Roof slating; Building surveying, thermal imaging/3D scanning; Bricklaying using K-Briqs – an eco-brick made with 90% used materials and no cement.


Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Economy and Rural Growth said: "It's fantastic to see so many pupils taking part in the skills demo days.

"We are committed to attracting and developing the right skills Argyll and Bute needs to deliver long-term economic success for the area. The Build Your Future programme offers a range of resources for schools, parents and pupils that highlights the pathways available for construction careers.

"We hope it has given pupils an insight into traditional skills that are so necessary to help build and maintain communities across Argyll and Bute."

Brooke Smith, a pupil from Hermitage Academy took part in the taster sessions: "I enjoyed learning about the different materials used to make bricks – the recycled bricks were cool. Learning the roofing skills was different, something I would never have done before, and I loved carving a flower during the stonemason workshop. It's great apps are in development to help the construction industry, and to save buildings. I had a really good afternoon and was talking about it for ages after."

The council appointed the Independent Roof Training Group (IRT Scotland) to deliver the training with support from the Scottish Traditional Building Forum.