The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has celebrated the recognition of its 10th Festival of Traditional Buildings, held in August 2022, through a parliamentary motion submitted by Gordon MacDonald MSP, which has received widespread support within the parliament.

The motion highlighted the efforts of those who came together 'to celebrate Edinburgh's traditional buildings', and bringing together experts with the wider public, in order to share their knowledge and skills across the whole spectrum of traditional construction skills, and to assist and empower homeowners to undertake repairs and maintenance to their homes.

The Festival is held annually, hosting demonstrations and activities that introduce the public to traditional building skills, including slating and leadwork demonstrations by NFRC Members.


As well as sharing skills, the Festival focuses on sustainability—particularly ensuring homes are wind and watertight, for maximum energy efficiency. A high proportion of Scotland's traditional homes are not wind and watertight, and activities therefore also highlighted how to identify disrepair to your roof and how it can be fixed, and how to identify a contractor to undertake the works. This was recognised in the parliamentary motion, noting 'that the event focussed on sustainability of traditional buildings'.

This came from the wide range of organisations contributing as part of the Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum: the motion recognises the involvement of 'the National Federation of Roofing Contractors [NFRC], Historic Environment Scotland, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, the Built Environment Forum Scotland, the Stone Federation Great Britain, the British Geological Survey, GLM Chartered Surveyors, Bannockburn House, Scottish Lime Centre Trust, David Fisher & Sons Plastering, Nevin Decorators, Developing the Young Workforce, and City of Edinburgh Council'.

Scott Miller, NFRC Scotland Chair, said: "As a young boy in Edinburgh, I never thought I would be participating in the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe but I am delighted to have once again given a roof slating demonstration with apprentices from Compass Roofing Ltd to help homeowners maintain their roofs and homes.

"The Festival of Traditional Buildings is a great demonstration how the whole industry is working together in Scotland to help homeowners repair and maintain their homes."