In a bid to save Scotland's rich heritage of traditional buildings from falling into disrepair and ensure that our buildings can be enjoyed for generations to come, National Construction Week (NCW) is searching for the future prodigies of the construction industry.

As part of a nationwide programme to help inspire young people to consider construction as a career, primary school children from across Fife will be introduced to a range of traditional building skills next week, in the hope of inspiring them to become the next generation of skilled craftspeople.

As part of this year's NCW, 80 primary six and seven children (aged 10-12) from local schools Carnock Primary, Milesmark Primary, St Leonards Primary and Culross Primary will attend the hands-on, traditional building skills fair at Culross Palace. The ancient monument setting will offer a perfect location for the pupils to try their hand at stonemasonry, carpentry and joinery, rubble walling, roof slating and tiling and leadwork.

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By designing their very own "masons mark" and carving it on to a small piece of stone to take home, the pupils will be offered a unique insight into the work of a craftsperson and the great pride that can be taken from helping to make sure our built environment does not fall into disrepair.

Graeme Ogilvy, Director for ConstructionSkills Scotland, explained: "The experiences gained by pupils taking part in events such as those organised over NCW, provide excellent feedback, recognition of career opportunities, and provide the pupils with knowledge, motivation and awareness of their surroundings.

"In the next four years around 5,000 additional workers will be required to meet demand within the traditional building stock sector. Skilled craftspeople are difficult to find and NCW is targeting the younger generation to ensure that skills gaps are met and that we safeguard Scotland's traditional buildings."

(CD)