Many thanks to Historic Environment Scotland for hosting our Chair, Dorothy Newlands of Lauriston and Council member Norman Mackenzie at Arbroath Abbey for a fascinating scaffold tour of the planned repair works at the Abbott’s House, which dates from 1500.

The tour, which is open to the public, offers a rare opportunity to climb the scaffolding for a close-up view of the roof and ancient masonry in the company of expert stonemasons, learning at first hand about the complex challenges involved in conserving our built heritage. 

We look forward to hosting our autumn conference with Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland to agree what we can all do to encourage the restoration and use of our historic buildings, especially Scotland’s castles – more news soon.

Photo by Norman Mackenzie