The training, held in late November 2024, focused on the correct techniques for fitting traditional sash and case windows, ensuring the team is prepared for the installation work taking place from December 2024 to March 2025. With 97 windows being replaced, including some as large as three metres high, the project involves careful planning and specialised methods, such as mechanical lifting, to ensure safety and precision.

The session, organised by Hillcrest Maintenance operations supervisor Dean Wilson, not only enhanced technical skills but also built teamwork and confidence among the team. Douglas Normand, owner of James Normand & Son, delivered the training to Hillcrest staff and apprentices, providing hands-on guidance and answering project-related questions.

Speaking about the training, Douglas Normand said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hillcrest Maintenance on this project. Their installation team is full of enthusiasm, and it is good to see the apprentices being involved in the fitting of the windows and learning new skills.”

Dean Wilson added: “The training provided by James Normand & Son has been invaluable in preparing our team for this project. Rose Terrace is an important part of Perth’s heritage, and we are committed to preserving its architectural significance while delivering high-quality, energy-efficient windows that will transform our tenants’ homes.”

Rose Terrace is a historically significant Georgian-style building constructed in the 1800s and sits within Perth’s conservation zone. While the windows are not original, the current single-glazed units are severely deteriorated, leading to substantial heat loss and energy inefficiency. Hillcrest Maintenance is replacing these with slimline double-glazed sash and case windows approved by Perth and Kinross Council, maintaining the building’s aesthetic while drastically improving its performance.

As part of the project, the insulation around the window junctions, reveals and sills will also be upgraded. Sustainable materials such as breathable hemp wool and airtightness tapes will be used to reduce heat loss and enhance living conditions while preserving the building’s breathability.

The new windows will provide significant benefits, including improved comfort and reduced energy bills for tenants, aligning with Hillcrest’s commitment to sustainability and Scotland’s net zero targets.

Martin Callachan, Hillcrest’s sustainability manager, added: “This project demonstrates how we can preserve the beauty of our historic buildings while prioritising energy efficiency, sustainability and tenant welfare. By replacing these large windows, which contribute to more than 50% of the heat loss in these properties, we are making a substantial impact on reducing fuel poverty and tackling climate change.”