A free two-day slate building technique course is scheduled to be held in Ballachulish, the Highland Council has announced.

The scheme is part of a wider project to conserve and interpret the iconic Ballachulish slate arch.

The £277,000 scheme is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Highland Council and Historic Environment Scotland.

It aims to not only consolidate the slate arch structure but also create new interpretive materials produced in partnership with local people.

Already, a community oral heritage project to gather local stories and memories about the quarries has taken place and work is underway to use the information to design new panels and an app.


The path to the arch, along with paths within the East Quarry, will also be upgraded.

The two-day training workshop will run on 03 and 04 December.

It will focus on hands-on training, including helping to build a new stone plinth which will be part of new interpretation at the East Quarry in Ballachulish.

Lochaber Area Leader Thomas MacLennan said: "The course is being organised to give people the chance to learn new slate building skills as well as providing a first-hand opportunity to see and hear about the works currently taking place at the slate arch.

"The course will be led by a professional instructor, Euan Thompson of the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre, but we would also like to encourage local people with experience in working with slate to come along and share their skills."

(LM)