Traditional building display

AN EXHIBITION displaying the various materials that went into constructing Scotland’s traditional buildings begins at Shetland Museum and Archives on Friday 15 October.

Historic Scotland’s ‘Building Scotland’ exhibition features 14 different building materials including stone, timber, iron, clay and slate and explores the stories behind each of them.

Also on display will be the various tools that were used along with photographs which will highlight the difference between building styles in different parts of the country that help create their distinctive identity.

Shetland museum will be contributing items from its own collection to demonstrate the history of construction in the isles.

Shetland used to rely on local resources and traditions, with styles changing little over time until the 19th century when Shetland was influenced by the rest of Britain, and architecture mirrored changes elsewhere.

The Shetland display includes rope made from plants, wooden locks, and items made from driftwood.

The exhibition is being accompanied by a book of the same title edited by Moses Jenkins, senior technical officer with Historic Scotland, who will deliver a talk on traditional building materials”.  Admission is free and the talk will begin at 7.30pm on 22 October.