Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) is launching a Traditional Skills Bursary scheme, with applications invited from 1 April 2025.
Traditional buildings, generally those built before 1919, make up about 20 per cent of Scotland’s dwellings and the appropriate skills needed to work on these buildings are in decline, so traditional buildings are often repaired in an inappropriate manner which can accelerate the deterioration of the historic fabric, often causing irreversible damage.
Dunbar CARS has developed the Traditional Skills Bursary Scheme to provide financial support to individuals looking to learn a traditional skill or develop an existing one. The fund is designed to be flexible and can support a wide range of courses, workshops and seminars linked to building conservation and traditional skills. These include stone masonry, traditional joinery and architectural metal working.
Examples of course providers offering activities and events related to traditional building and conservation skills include the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, the Engine Shed (Historic Environment Scotland), the Institute for Historic Building Conservation and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. There are many other training providers and the Dunbar CARS officers would be happy to discuss the eligibility of any identified activity.
Applicants can apply for up to £2,000 to support the cost of attending the identified course(s) which can be used to cover course fees, travel costs, and accommodation if required. Funding is limited so it is advisable to make an application as soon as possible.
As part of the promotion of the bursary scheme, Dunbar CARS has organised a number of hands-on activities in the town centre over the next few weeks.
- Close Repair and Refurbishment: Purves Close, Dunbar High Street. Darren Brown and Ben Gilmour (the Ridge). Learn how to rake out, point and plaster a rubble wall using lime render and paint. Tuesday 8 April, 10am-12 or 2-4pm; Wednesday 9 April, 10am-12 or 2-4pm; Thursday 10 April, 10am-12 or 2-4pm
- Hot Lime Workshop: Black Bull Close, Dunbar High Street. Jamie Goodwin (the Ridge). Learn how to point a wall using hot lime. Saturday 26 April, 10am-12 or 2-4pm.
Trainers will be available for Q&A sessions between 1-2pm or to book one of the two hour taster sessions, email the team. Booking for the sessions is essential as places will be limited. All necessary protective equipment and tools will be provided and prior knowledge of the skill is not necessary.
Dunbar CARS will also be participating in the community-led Spring Clean Weekend on 26 & 27 April. Local social enterprise, Forge and Equip, will carry out demonstration sessions outside the Museum and Town House on Saturday 26 April on how to repair and look after rusty gates or railings, with drop in sessions running between 11am and 4pm.
To obtain a Dunbar CARS Traditional Skills Bursary application pack and guidance notes, please email the team