For the first time since the early 1960s, Scottish slate is set to return to the market following a significant funding award to the Isle of Luing Community Trust.

The Trust has secured £1.75 million from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) to reopen the historic Cullipool quarry on the Isle of Luing.

This development is deemed crucial for Scotland, as it will support authentic conservation efforts for the nation's heritage buildings, enhance supply chain resilience for construction materials, and create new employment opportunities.

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The grant, totaling £1.747m, comes from the RCGF's 2025-26 allocation. The Isle of Luing Community Trust will operate the quarry, producing roofing-grade slate suitable for both conservation projects and new-build work. Specific production volumes will be confirmed after the quarry's commissioning phase.

For roofing contractors, a technical briefing on the Luing project is scheduled to be given by Graham Briggs of Historic Environment Scotland at the NFRC Scotland Regions Members' Day at Hamilton Park Racecourse on May 28. Contractors in need of genuine Scottish slate are advised to monitor the project's rollout timetable and update their material schedules accordingly.

The Luing scheme is one of 24 projects sharing a total of £21.5m from the RCGF and the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme. While other awards target housing, community facilities, and museum spaces, the Luing initiative stands out as the sole construction-materials venture, directly addressing a long-standing gap in Scotland's slate supply.