The teaching of long-established building skills is to be revived in a joint project between Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Angus College.

A new partnership has recently been set up between Brechin THI and the college's construction department to spearhead a survey of traditional building skills provision, skill gaps and demand for traditional skills training within the Tayside Region.

The main aim of the survey will be to gather information on existing skills in the construction sector and to present a report and specialist company directory for the residents of Brechin and Tayside.

The information gathered will help identify priorities in terms of skills gaps and training requirements. The survey will be undertaken between June and August and results are to be published in October 2009.

The feasibility study will be part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Angus Council, through the City of Brechin THI. The partnership has recently been successful in obtaining additional funding from the Scottish Government and the European Community Rural Tayside LEADER 2007-20013 Programme.

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The study will form the first phase of a three phase project. A second phase will involve the design and provision of masterclasses in traditional skills. The third phase will build on the anticipated success of phase two and will provide add-on training in traditional skills as an integral part of building skills instruction.

Kevin Murphy, Director of Learning and Teaching, at Angus College's Technology department says: "It is generally not contested that there is a shortage of skills in traditional building skills in the UK and that there is a generation skills gap.

"However, there is evidence that during the current economic recession and downturn in new house building, age-old construction skills may be enjoying a small resurgence. Whilst previous studies have been undertaken in Scotland, the local survey sizes have been insufficient to determine the extent of traditional building skills provision and training requirements.

"There is the added problem that many people do not know where to source good old fashioned building skills, as has been experienced by owners of properties in the central conservation area of Brechin. The provision of a directory with specific case studies will make this process easier when embarking on maintenance and repair projects."

Bob Myles, chairman of Brechin THI welcomed the initiative, saying: "This survey will be of great benefit as a move towards reviving and maintaining traditional building skills for the benefit of the whole community."

(GK/JM)