An internationally-renowned Georgian manor house will be used as a classroom for teaching traditional conservation skills such as joinery from next month.
Duff House in Banff is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the world and now it will play host to groups learning about how to preserve historic sites.
Designed by William Adam and completed in 1737 for the Earl of Fife, Duff House is overseen by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Aberdeenshire Council.
The project, which starts in May, is part of HES’s package of grant aid and support to the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre.
HES conservation director David Mitchell said: “HES is fully supportive of the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre’s education and training programmes which address subjects, skills and discipline which relate to the conservation, repair and maintenance of Scotland’s built heritage.”
“We are impressed with the quality of the delivery of the centre’s courses.”
The centre is a registered charity and was established to tackle “the growing crisis” in the lack of skills to preserve historic buildings.
While the majority of the courses will be held at Duff House, the centre will continue to do training at other locations, including Banff Castle, Pitmedden Garden and Balmoral Castle.
The centre’s founder and executive director Marc Ellington added: “Establishing the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre at Duff House is a major step forward for the centre.
“It will enable us to further expand and substantially increase delivery of the courses within our education and skills training programme.”
