What traditional building skills are being taught in Eyemouth?

The training focuses on skills like stonemasonry, joinery, plastering, and roofing to maintain historic buildings.

Why is there a training scheme for historic buildings in Scotland?

There is a critical shortage of tradespeople with traditional skills needed to repair Scotland's many centuries-old buildings.

Who can apply for the traditional building skills course in Eyemouth?

The certified course is open to anyone aged 16 and over, including school leavers and those looking to retrain.

Home / Education / Borders Town Trains Trades for Historic Homes

Borders Town Trains Trades for Historic Homes

19 Nov, 2025

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Summary

A new training program focuses on traditional building skills for historic properties.
Eyemouth faces a shortage of skilled tradespeople for urgent building repairs.
The course will train up to 14 individuals in stonemasonry and joinery.

Borders Town Trains Trades for Historic Homes

Historic buildings in the Borders coastal town of Eyemouth are slated for vital repairs through an innovative training initiative. Scotland faces a significant shortage of tradespeople with traditional building skills, leaving numerous centuries-old municipal properties in desperate condition.

To combat this crisis, a pilot program will commence in the new year, equipping up to 14 individuals with essential skills such as stonemasonry and joinery. The initial 20-week course will focus on repointing and windowsill repairs at the category A-listed Gunsgreen House, built in 1753.

This program offers a unique opportunity to build careers in heritage conservation, with hopes for further training phases. Applications are open to individuals aged 16 and over, with taster sessions being held locally to encourage participation and address the urgent need for skilled craftspeople to maintain Scotland's historic architectural legacy.