We run a wide range of courses throughout the year, from traditional building skills for repair and conservation, as well as masterclasses from beginner to advanced level and beyond.
The level of practical hands-on 
and technical 
content are represented by the number of icons indicated on each course (3 = High 1= Least)
Please take a look at them all and if you're not sure then please contact us if you would like to discuss which course is suitable for you or your employees. We are always happy to help learners choose the right course.
We are delighted to announce that the Scottish LIme Centre Trust have once again obtained SQA and HES approval to deliver the Professional Development Award (PDA) in the Repair and Maintenance of Traditional Masonry Structures.
This is your chance to gain real qualifications and stand out from the crowd! Click here for info
Featured Courses and Masterclasses
Letter Cutting & Decorative Stone Carving
Participants will get to choose to do Letter Cutting or Decorative Carving in Stone for the day.
Retrofitting Traditional Buildings - Case Studies
A half-day session dedicated to good-practice case studies from across the UK.
Retrofitting Traditional Buildings - Principles and Practice
An online technical masterclass, running over 2 half days, covering emerging research, best practice and case studies in the field of upgrading traditional and historic buildings.
Dealing with Damp Masterclass
This Masterclass aims to give participants a thorough understanding of ‘Dampness’ in buildings. We will take what you think you know about damp in buildings and give you a fresh perspective.
Making Natural Paints and Pigments
This course explores the tools and techniques used many thousands of years ago
SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) - Total of 6 National Unit credits at SCQF level 5 and 6
H8WT 45 - Prepare and mix traditional lime mortars
This unit is about understanding the selection, measuring and mixing of a range of traditional lime mortars for the repair of traditional buildings and structures.
Practical Hands-On Training
C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars (Contractor Level 1)
Two day introductory course aimed at contractors and those with trowel skills, - this practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology and how to approach re-pointing work in traditional buildings.
C2 Repair of Masonry Structure - Contractor Level 2
A 3 day workshop aimed at contractors, building on the knowledge and skills gained on 'C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars'.
C3 Stone Replacement and Indents – Contractor Level 3
Build on the knowledge and skills you gained from our C1 and C2 courses.
Lime Pointing
Learn the skills to help you carry out your own mortar pointing repairs.
P1 Repairing Traditional Masonry (Professional Level 1)
This 2 day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the use of a range of lime and other traditional binders for the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry.
P2 Masonry Building Conservation- Principles and Techniques (Professional Level 2)
This course provides confidence in the repair principles, materials and techniques for traditional masonry buildings, covering mortar manufacture, practical repair methods and techniques, and aftercare of lime based materials.
Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and application of plain lime plaster to both lath and masonry backgrounds which abound our historic buildings for internal wall and ceiling finishes.
Introduction to Scottish Slating Practices
This one day course aims to provide an introductory guide to traditional Scottish roofs including function, structure, external roof shapes, typical details and decorative features, the causes of deterioration and the main causes of failure.
Introduction to Stonemasonry
Taught by our time served Stonemason, this two-day practical course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques and uses of basic stonemasonry.
Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice.
Making, Using and Specifying Hot Mixed Lime Mortars
This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and use of’ hot mixed’ lime mortars, that is, mortars prepared by slaking quicklime, sand and natural hydraulic lime binders (and possibly other additives like tallow
Making, Pigmenting and Applying Limewash
This half day course will cover all aspects of working with limewashes including how to determine suitable finishes for a range of background types.
Rendering and Harling with Lime
This hands on course will enable you to apply a variety of external lime render finishes to a wide range of backgrounds including matching to existing finishes.
Repairing Traditional Masonry Structures
This one day workshop covers the construction and appropriate repair of traditional masonry structures such as culverts, tunnels, light houses, viaducts, canals, harbours, retaining walls, piers and masonry arch bridges
Rubble Wall Building
This practical two day course will equip you to set out, construct and finish a traditional rubble wall using a variety of building stones and traditional lime mortars.
Surface Repair of Stone
This course will teach you how to carry out a successful surface stone repair with an understanding of the materials and when and where it may be appropriate.
Sash and Case Window Repairs
Don’t rip out your sash and case windows! Come and learn how to carry out your own repairs.
5 Day Basic Lead Welding & Bossing Course
Add lead welding and bossing to your skills set!
Book C1 and C2 together at a reduced price!
We offer £100 discount for people booking our C1 and C2 course at the same time.
Traditional Scottish Slate Roofing Course
Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) with the support of The Scottish Lime Centre Trust (S LCT) produced a Training Programme for Traditional Building Skills.
Sign Writing
Our Exciting New Three Day Sign Writing Course
Online Built Environment Technical Seminars and Masterclasses
Online Petrographic Analysis Explained
Online seminar - 2.5 Hour CPD - Gain a greater understanding of the process of Thin section analysis!
Online Mortar Analysis Explained
Online Seminar / 2.5 Hour CPD - Gain a greater understanding of the process of mortar analysis!
Online Stone Analysis Explained
2.5 Hours CPD - Gain a greater understanding of the process of stone analysis!
Specifying Mortars for Repair, Restoration and New Build
Are you working with mortars or need to provide a full working specification for a job? Then this online seminar is for you!
The Latest Technology and Innovations in Building Conservation
This masterclass will cover the different laser scanning solutions that can be applied across heritage
Built Environment Technical Seminars and Masterclasses
A Guide to Winter Working with Lime
Our hints, tips and practical advice will help you extend your season working with lime mortars successfully.
Drone Surveying Masterclass
Drones have become more prevalent in our day to day life, from every nature documentary on Netflix to your cousin who got one for Christmas, and we will all remember the incident at Heathrow airport in December 2018.
Climate Change -How to protect our buildings
What on earth we can do to protect our buildings?
A Place for all Mortars Series - Mortar in All it's Guises
Earth to lime to ready mixed mortars
Damp in Buildings - Online Masterclass
Are you dealing with damp problems? Then this is for you!
The Structural Repair of Historic Buildings
This masterclass led by Ian Hume, aims to provide professionals with a sound understanding of the philosophy of conservation.
Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings – 2 day Retrofit course
Achieving the NOCN qualification: Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings
Other Event
Sheeps Wool Insulation - Free CPD
FREE SheepWool Insulation CPD at Charlestown Workshops on 12 October 2023 12.30pm until 2pm