Having taken place on 25 September 2026 at Stirling’s Engine Shed, the event presented the work of participants in the organisation’s Craft Your Career programme, which is helping facilitate entry into traditional building and conservation career pathways. 

Previously, HES has stressed that Scotland has under ten trained thatchers, five Icon-registered stained-glass conservators, roughly 20 architectural blacksmiths with traditional forge skills and under 300 trained stonemasons.

The Craft Your Career programme is attempting to address this issue by forming pathways into heritage careers, ranging from engagement with schools and pre-apprenticeships through to modern apprenticeships, Craft Fellowships and specialist traineeships. 

The programme provides employment, supports the development of employability skills and provides the chance to attain a qualification where applicable. It is supporting 15 modern apprenticeships over the span of four years, as well as an average of roughly ten trainee positions and eight Craft Fellowships, per annum. 

Existing participants presented the projects they have been working on at the event. Partner organisations defined the benefits of hosting learners and the significance of developing skills capacity in the sector.

Steve Uphill, interim chief executive of HES, said: “Scotland’s historic buildings can only be cared for if we have the people with the knowledge and practical skills to look after them.

“At a time of acute shortages, we need to maintain the skills we have, develop new talent and make it easier for people to realise a future career in the historic environment.”

Uphill added: “The Centre of Excellence for Canals and Traditional Skills at Lock 16 in Falkirk, being delivered in partnership with Scottish Canals, will create even more opportunities for training, volunteering and employment, helping to build the skilled workforce that Scotland needs for the future.”

Alyn Smith, minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education said: “This event highlights the vital role traditional skills will play in Scotland’s future. 

 “With shortages in skills such as thatching, stonemasonry and blacksmithing, programmes like Craft Your Career are vital to building the workforce Scotland needs, inspiring young people and career changers while passing on valuable knowledge to future generations.”