The shortage of people coming into the construction industry was the topic of a conference in Aberdeen last week.
Master craftsmen in skills such as timber, ironmongery and slate heard that skilled craftspeople are needed to maintain Scotland’s ancient properties – from castles to cottages.
Experts are looking at how Romania has dealt with its decline in craft skills, but meanwhile a pioneering traditional skills training centre is due to open at Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire to offer courses in everything from traditional joinery to garden maintenance.