Aberdeen City Council is to host a free information event to allow owners and occupiers of historic properties to receive renovation advice from some of the country's leading conservationists.

The Council is hosting the Built Heritage Conservation and Community Engagement Workshop at the Music Hall from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on May 20th.

The aim is to increase understanding of the work required in looking after older buildings and the contribution this makes to a more secure, sustainable and beneficial future for Buildings of Historic and Architectural Importance.

There will be a strong focus on the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), a £2.4 million grants programme jointly funded by the Council and Historic Environment Scotland with further backing from Aberdeen Inspired, the Business Improvement District operator.

Union Street CARS grants can, subject to eligibility criteria, cover up to 60% of repairs and 75% of shopfront improvement costs, with owners expected to meet the rest. Conditions include a commitment to future maintenance.


Surveyors, architects, construction industry professionals, students and representatives of local heritage and regeneration groups are all welcome at the event, which will feature presentations followed by Question and Answer sessions.

The workshop has been developed and will be led by Dr Marc Ellington, the Executive Director of the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre.

In addition to having served on the boards of many of Scotland's leading conservation organisations, Dr Ellington (below) is the recipient of numerous awards, including the European Heritage Conservation Award. He holds an honorary degree from the University of Aberdeen.

He said: "This major event, which is the first of its kind to be held in the North-east, will provide those participating with highly useful information concerning the requirements necessary in order to maximise the cultural, social and economic benefits offered by the outstanding Built Heritage within the City of Aberdeen."

Workshop presenters will include Paul Higson, Project Manager of the North East Scotland Preservation Trust. Mr Higson has delivered many Built Heritage Conservation Projects throughout the North-east, including the £2 million conversion of a derelict sail-making factory in Portsoy into The Sail Loft Bunkhouse. 

He said: "During the delivery phase of all our Built Heritage Conservation Projects we try to ensure that the community benefits by offering free skills training courses such as the Use of Lime Mortar in Traditional Buildings or Dry-Stone Walling and, on larger projects, we insist that the main contractor takes on apprentices to learn the trade." 

The line-up also includes Dr James Simpson OBE, a board member of The Royal Commission on Historic Buildings and Monuments; Craig Wilson, a lecturer in "Building Pathology" and star of the Channel 4 show "Demolition"; and Marcus Binney CBE, founder of Save Britain's Heritage.

Aberdeen City Council planners will be on hand to share information about conservation and how to apply for funding support.