Embarking on his journey into stonemasonry, Luke started working with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) in 2017. Joining as an apprentice, he immersed himself in a four-year programme, honing his skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Luke said: “It seemed like a great organisation to work for with lots of opportunities and a varied schedule of work. The apprenticeship was an incredibly rewarding experience that gave me a strong foundation for a career in the heritage sector.”

From the ancient Antoine Wall to the grandeur of Doune Castle, he now finds himself at Dunkeld Cathedral, contributing to HES’s initiative to study the impact of climate change in combination with other factors on historic structures.

“My role is diverse, satisfying, and necessary. It has been a life-changing experience which has taken me to some of the most beautiful properties in Scotland and given me skills in stonemasonry that I can take all over the world” he said.

Stacey has mastered a different kind of traditional skill, specialising in heritage and conservation blacksmithing. Stacey’s career journey began at a young age, fuelled by a fascination with tools and an interest in historic ironworks. Starting as an apprentice farrier shoeing horses at 16, she soon realised her passion lay in the art of blacksmithing.

Transitioning into the field, Stacey quickly began immersing herself in the craft, recognising its vital role in conserving Scotland’s cultural heritage. Blacksmithing is a key connection to Scotland’s past, and a means of preserving its architectural legacy.

Stacey said: “It is an important craft that we need to work to hold onto. If we allow the craft to die out there will be nobody left in the country who knows how to make ironwork with traditional techniques.”

Stacey’s workday is a blend of site visits and conservation projects, all teeming with historical significance. From consulting on ironwork at Glasgow Cathedral to crafting pewter roundels for the King’s coronation, each task showcases the dedication to Scotland’s historic environment that defines her work alongside other members of the HES team.

A recent example of work that shows the complex, multi-skills approach at HES, was the creation of a bespoke table for displaying the Stone of Destiny at St Giles Cathedral for King Charles III Coronation Service. This required a unique blend of traditional craft skills with cutting-edge technology.

The table was designed and fabricated in-house at HES, and hand-crafted in Scottish Oak at St Anne’s Maltings workshop by HES Joiner Adrian Ferguson. Two Lion Rampant roundels were also created as part of the design.

The Lion Rampant was hand modelled in clay by Colin Muir, senior stone conservator in the HES Cultural Assets and Applied Conservation Team, and was inspired by the Lion panel above the drawbridge at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. It was digitally scanned to produce a 3D model, which in turn was used to create a full-sized 3D pattern to create a mould. Following this, it was cast in molten pewter and had a 23.5-carat gold gilded finish hand-applied by a HES painter.

For more information on Luke and Stacey’s impact on Scotland’s historic environment, visit the I Make History campaign.