Building Surveying students get royal approval

Students from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) made a right royal job of renovating historic buildings – with Prince Charles giving them the personal thumbs up.

Students from the BSc (Hons) Building Surveying programme were invited to the Scottish Lime Centre in the historic village of Charlestown to increase their practical understanding and knowledge of the traditional skills required for the conservation, repair and maintenance of the historic built environment.

HRH the Prince of Wales looked on as the GCU students were learning to build traditional rubble walling, lime pointing, limewashing, traditional roofing and sash-and-case window repair. He then congratulated the students on their efforts.

HRH Prince Charles pays a great interest in traditional building materials and the associated craft skills that are required for both sustainable new buildings and the care and repair of the historic built environment.

Jim Castle, programme lead for Building Surveying at GCU, said it was an honour to meet a member of the Royal Family and explained GCU’s relationship with the Scottish Lime Centre.

He said: “The GCU Building Surveying Programme is extremely fortunate in having built up such an exciting relationship with the Scottish Lime Centre.  Among many other benefits (including placements and learning activities), this has enabled my students to meet the future King, an opportunity that rarely arises in anyone’s lifetime.  The visit enhances the work of the Prince’s Trust and his considerable efforts in the field of conservation, a subject area dear to the hearts of all building surveyors.”

Rosamond Artis, Director of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to further the students’ practical knowledge and skills for the repair and care of the historic built environment, an experience that will be invaluable when they complete their degrees and enter the building surveying industry.”