Scotland's building professionals must expand their skill set to boost sustainability, according to the country's leading provider of lime mortars.

Masons Mortar Ltd is urging building contractors, stonemasons and property developers to learn more about traditional building materials and the use of lime to increase sustainable building in Scotland.

The company, which provides the UK's widest range of lime mortars, offers free advice on all aspects of traditional building repair. It offers practical guidance on the appropriate use of materials and can provide on site support, focusing on best practice in conservation, restoration and repair.

Stuart Johnston, Managing Director of Masons Mortar Ltd, said: "When the last limekiln's closed down in Scotland in the 1950's, few predicted the dramatic changes that would sweep across our architectural landscape in the following decades.

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"More than half a century on, we have reached an era of heightened consciousness of our responsibility for the environment we inhabit. In this industry in particular, we are the generation which has inherited the challenge of maintaining and creating sustainable buildings for future generations.

"By adopting traditional building methods and opting to use lime mortars, we can help preserve Scotland's world-renowned historic buildings in a way that is sustainable.

"There is nothing more sustainable than the re-use of our existing buildings."

Natural Hydraulic Lime has one third of the CO2 of cement in use, absorbing carbon dioxide during curing, making it a natural and ecologically sound choice of material for building.

Masons Mortar has also collaborated in the development of lime based products suitable for new builds, including coloured one coat renders, backing coat renders, and multi-use binders for building and pointing.

Stuart added: "We recognise that with advances in technology and new products must come education.

"There is an urgent need to expand the skill set among today's building professionals, to incorporate traditional methods and the appropriate use of lime."

Masons Mortar was established in 1989 by Stuart's father Douglas, with the aim of increasing awareness of appropriate use of lime and educating the trade & public about traditional building methods.

(GK/JM)