Heritage Science at the Engine Shed - virtual morning session

To select the most appropriate intervention in a conservation or repair project, you must understand the nature of the materials used in the construction of a building or site. Conservation scientists at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) use a variety of analytical techniques to understand how these materials decay over time and how certain interventions might affect their integrity and longevity.

The day will begin with an overview of how science is increasingly used – both in the lab and on site – to analyse the nature and condition of traditional materials in Scotland and beyond. Then we will look at different types of analytical processes used by the Engine Shed’s Heritage Science team to determine the source, composition, structure and current condition of stonework and timber, as well as to monitor moisture ingress in our traditional buildings and determine thermal efficiency.

You will:

1. Understand how analytical scientific techniques can enhance our understanding of the nature of traditional building materials and can explain how they decay over time.

2. Discover how petrographic analysis is used to determine the chemical composition and physical structure of natural building stone and how this helps identify new sources of material for repair.

3. Learn about the range of analytical techniques used to monitor moisture ingress in traditional buildings and how thermal efficiency of a building may be measured.

4. Understand the important role of dendrochronology and other types of timber analysis help determine the age, source and likely longevity of timberwork in Scotland’s traditional buildings.

· Gordon Urquhart, Postgraduate Course Manager, Historic Environment Scotland

· Dr Aurélie Turmel, Heritage Science Manager, Historic Environment Scotland

· Dr Callum Graham, Conservation Scientist, Historic Environment Scotland

· Dr Maureen Young, Conservation Scientist, Historic Environment Scotland

· Dr Lisa Brown, Archaeological Science Manager, Historic Environment Scotland

We encourage graduates, heritage professionals and building practitioners from all disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice in traditional buildings to consider attending.

We also welcome anyone responsible for a traditional building or with an interest in the broader aspects of architectural history and building conservation in Scotland.

Historic Scotland Members can claim 10% discount using the promo code HSMember Please bring your membership card on the day.

Students currently undertaking a college or university course can use the code Student24 to obtain a free ticket. This is only redeemable when signing up with a valid student email address and upon production of a valid student ID card.

Cancellations and Refunds

Visit https://www.historicenvironment.scot/terms-and-conditions/ticketing-terms-and-conditions/consumer-terms/ for information on our cancellation and refund policy.

More information

Visit the Engine Shed website for more information: https://www.engineshed.scot/

Find out about all our events by signing up to our Engine Shed Newsletter: https://www.engineshed.scot/newsletter-registration/

Host or Publisher Historic Environment Scotland, The Engine Shed