The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has selected two stonemasons and a carpenter/joiner for the William Morris Craft Fellowship.

Masons Andrew Beattie, 23, Stuart Savage, 25, and carpenter/joiner Karl Grevatt , 27, will now embark on a prestigious six-month schedule travelling the length and breadth of the country to learn more about traditional crafts from skilled men and women who have already established careers in the field.

The aim is for the new Fellows to develop a grounding in a wide range of traditional skills to help them bring a strong awareness of craft diversity to their future professional roles.

Andrew has worked on old properties with Historic Scotland and new-build stone houses with Cranford Builders. He is currently working with lime for Laing Traditional Masonry.

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Stuart is currently studying for an HNC in construction management and previously won Historic Scotland's apprentice of the year award twice.

Karl works with Ward & Co (Building Conservation) on projects at prestigious locations including: Greys Court, Henley, The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, Blenheim Palace and Cliveden House.

Karl has also worked at Brill windmill. Keen to further his involvement with mills, he is considering a career in millwrighting - a specific area of interest to the William Morris Craft Fellowship.

Craftsmen and women from any trade employed in the repair of historic buildings on site or in workshops and studios may apply for the Fellowship.

Candidates must have completed their apprenticeships and demonstrate a high degree of competence. Fellows are usually in their 20s or 30s, but older candidates are not excluded.

Fellows also have the opportunity to develop their own particular craft skill to new levels of excellence. The course of practical training is divided into three blocks of two months, enabling the Fellows to return to their employment in between each block.

There are no course fees as training and administration costs are borne by SPAB as part of the award.

Many former fellows have risen to positions of responsibility where they are able to impart their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to other crafts workers.

The SPAB William Morris Craft Fellowship is helping to raise the standard of building conservation skills and the skills of the craftsmen and women involved.

(GK/JM)