Opportunity to learn slate building techniques at free workshop in Ballachulish
A two-day slate training course in Lochaber has been hailed a success, despite the rain and gales.
The course was part of a wider project to conserve and interpret the 19th-Century Ballachulish slate arch, which can be seen from the A82 Inverness to Glasgow trunk road near the village.
Twelve trainees from Ballachulish and further afield in the region learned basic techniques and helped build a large new slate plinth at the entrance to the village’s East Quarry.
This will hold three new panels telling visitors about the history and significance of the local slate quarrying industry.
Participants also visited the nearby slate arch to hear from contractors Fort Stone Ltd about the construction of the arch and the works currently underway to preserve it.
Funding for the £277,000 project is being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Highland Council and Historic Environment Scotland.
Ballachulish was one of Scotland’s two slate “super quarries” – the other being at Easdale island – and slates from the quarry contributed to the character of many of the Scotland’s buildings.
Slate training course a success despite poor weather
