The IHBC has welcomed the opening of a new pan-Scotland heritage education centre engaging and informing all ages with Scotland’s built and historic environment: the Engine Shed in Stirling, inspired and delivered by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and officially opened by Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop on 26 June.
IHBC Scotland Branch Chair Paul Zochowski said: ‘We’re delighted to see the Engine Shed coming on stream. The IHBC very much looks forward to a long and productive association with this important – even critical – new educational resource for anyone interested in the heritage of Scotland.
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: ‘The Engine Shed has been a strong focus for HES as has found its feet as a new organisation in Scotland. Targeting as it does the full spectrum of heritage interests in Scotland’s places, fabric – from children to specialist heritage scientists – it offers a leading demonstration how our sector can benefit from the widest and most inclusive approach to heritage education, promotion and advocacy.’
HES writes:
An exciting new chapter for Scotland’s heritage sector begins today as Historic Environment Scotland unveils The Engine Shed, its pioneering £11m national building conservation centre.
Based at Forthside Way in Stirling, The Engine Shed seeks to ensure the knowledge, skills and materials are available to look after the important cultural and economic asset that is Scotland’s 450,000 traditional buildings.
The new learning and visitor resource was officially opened by Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop and will serve as the national conservation hub, using world-leading innovation to bring Scotland’s built heritage to life through technology and hands-on activities.
With sustainability at the heart of the building’s conservation, the former MOD munitions store has been respectfully adapted, retaining much of the original fabric and character of the original building while demonstrating how traditional materials can be used in a modern context in two extensions, also incorporating modern technologies to enhance its energy efficiency.
The centrepiece of the main space is a large-scale map of Scotland compiled from hi-resolution satellite images, from which visitors can access additional information using an iPad as an augmented reality device. With interactive exhibits, a 4K 3D auditorium and augmented reality experiences, The Engine Shed aims to spark the public’s passion and interest with Scotland’s historic environment and inspire a new generation to be interested in traditional buildings.
The Engine Shed will be home to Historic Environment Scotland’s building conservation research and education facility, which will share its world class expertise with national and international partners in building conservation.
People across Scotland are being invited to visit The Engine Shed as it unveils a summer programme of events designed to encourage a greater understanding of Scotland’s historic buildings and traditional craft skills, as part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Workshops will include creating pieces inspired by Mackintosh’s designs currently on temporary display at The Engine Shed, which were recovered from the fire that affected The Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building in 2014.
Chair of Historic Environment Scotland Jane Ryder said: ‘Today’s opening marks a significant milestone in the journey of Historic Environment Scotland and The Engine Shed is a visible demonstration of our commitment to both leading and supporting the vital heritage economy.
‘It is the result of great collaboration and partnership working, and thanks must go to the Scottish Government, Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund and the Historic Scotland Foundation, who have supported us in delivering this unique facility. In particular, thanks must go to our partners at Stirling Council for providing us with the building, which I hope will play a key role in continuing to maximise the potential of heritage-led regeneration through their broader city deal.
