CARS drive to update local builders on historic techniques

Free courses to update historic building skills

Local contractors are being invited to update their skills to prepare them for renovation work on Moray’s historic buildings.

A series of courses is already under way that seeks to ensure local builders are in the best position to carry out renovation work. The initiative comes at a time when grants are being made available for property owners to repair the external fabric of historic buildings.

Elgin and Keith Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) are jointly funding the traditional building skills training for local contractors and building professionals.

Frew Building Conservation Ltd will deliver the free training at venues in Elgin and Keith on a monthly basis over the course of a year, beginning this month.

CARS grants are available for property owners to repair the external fabric of their buildings and shop fronts in both Keith and Elgin conservation areas. This means that a substantial amount of work could be available over the next few years – and it is hoped that local companies will be better placed to bid for the work as a result of the training.

Elgin CARS officer Kirsty Conti explained: “Frew Conservation has successfully delivered bespoke training for other CARS schemes and responded exceptionally well to the brief.

“They have high calibre tutors and will deliver a mix of practical sessions and theory to keep everyone engaged.”

Twelve one-day course will be delivered under the scheme with placed offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

‘Understanding the Repair and Maintenance Requirements of Traditional Buildings’ will be the first course to be delivered on August 20 in the Harvest Centre, Elgin from 9.15m-4.30pm.

To book a place on one or more of the courses email kirsty.conti@moray.gov.uk. Further information on the first 3 courses and the tutors that will deliver them can be found online at http://www.elgincars.org.uk.

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