Charity hub and business centre, Norton Park, has seen the completion of works on its events and conference space, which provides an area for Edinburgh’s third sector organisations and enterprises to meet and have conferences.

Spanning across 1,150 square metres of roof area, the project saw roughly 40,000 new slates installed, weighing an estimated 70 tonnes.

Thousands of slates were removed from the building’s previous roof during the works. 

Norton Park wanted the old slate to be sold or reused instead of being sent to landfill.

The team were put in touch with a local company, Compass Roofing, which helps deliver the National 5 qualification in Creative Industries Roof Slating.

Working with six schools in Edinburgh, the skills programme sees Compass Roofing volunteers go to classrooms to teach pupils roofing skills. 

Children learn how to use the tools to re-dress, size and fit tiles onto a mini roof.

Yolanda Wringe, chief operating officer at Norton Park, said: “When we replaced the roof, we were determined that the old slates would not go to waste. To see them being used in this project is fantastic.”

Wringe added: “Not only has it given the slates a second life, but it has also provided local children with the opportunity to learn a trade which may carry them throughout their career.”

Lewis Miller, company director at Compass Roofing, who deals with the tutoring for the courses, said: “Having organisations like Norton Park provide donations and support our work goes a long way in helping the next generation of Scotland’s workforce learn practical skills.

“Receiving a donation of this type of slate provides a great learning opportunity for the pupils, giving them a chance to showcase their skills and explore different materials.”

Once pupils have completed their mini roofs, the tiles can be taken off and reused for the next cohort of children year after year.

Working with Community Enterprise, Norton Park is inviting organisations, businesses and the local community to help influence the future of the space via a public consultation.

Wringe also said: “We want the conference centre to continue to evolve to support the organisations that use it. 

“I hope that the engagement through our Future Sector Survey gives the people we support the opportunity to have their voice heard and shape how the space is used for future generations.”

Currently, more than 25 third sector organisations are accommodated by Norton Park.