A Scottish qualification for masonry conservation has been launched for the first time, back by the Herritage Lottery fund.

Culture Minister, Linda Fabiani, announced the move in response to the rate of maintenance carried out in the Scottish construction sector. Repair and maintenance work makes up almost half of the Scottish construction industry activity. In 2005 it accounted for £3.01 billion on works, compared to £3.5 billion spent on new build work.

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The qualification, to be known as The National Progression Award in Conservation of Masonry, has been set up by Historic Scotland in conjunction with in NPA Steering Group, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the Professional and Operational Validation Boards, with the help of a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Minister Fabiani said: "Scotland's architecture plays a vital role in our identity, culture and heritage and it is imperative that we maintain it. To do this we have to make sure that the people working on our built heritage are appropriately trained and qualified."

(DW)