Dr David Mitchell

George Elmslie Owen was a painter later in life but produced a wonderful little book of prints of Stirling landmarks early on. I have been very tickled to find his studio was around the corner from my house…which may explain why some of his prints were on our walls…. #links

An architectural drawing of the Sinclair Fountain, 1864. Catherine Sinclair (1800-1864) wrote children's books and gifted drinking fountains to Edinburgh. This fountain stood at the corner of Lothian Road and Princes Street. Parts of it can still be found by the Water of Leith.

Designs for new lamp pedestals for the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the Royal Mile, 1908. The drawings were made by William Thomas Oldrieve, an architect with the His Majesty’s Office of Works.

up close and personal with this magnificent Saracen Foundry terminal in Stirling

WAVERLEY COMES BACK TO LIFE 🚢 WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY Watch a historic milestone for Paddle Steamer Waverley as she returned to steam today for the first time in 2026. This is the earliest she has been in full steam ready to sail in any calendar year this century. After her Winter rest, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer has stirred back into life today as our winter refit team raised the boilers back to full steam pressure. Her mighty triple-expansion steam engine was slowly turned, the air pump and feed pumps have been operated, the newly refurbished capstan tested and her whistle sounded letting those near by know she is back in steam. Extensive preparations are now underway ahead of her sailing to Greenock. Given the level of work to be undertaken at the shipyard most internal areas have been cleared of furniture and fittings with the deck and flooring in passenger areas covered for protection. During the next two months Waverley will see extensive refit work undertaken, this includes: • Replacement of her fire sprinkler system • Removal and renewal of both masts • Replacement of the dining saloon windows • Her annual dry docking survey • Hull repaint • Replacement of the port side spring beam • Steel renewals in the paddleboxes This early start reflects a substantial investment in the ship's fabric and safety systems to help ensure Waverley continues sailing for future generations to experience and enjoy. ➡️ Support our Masts & Windows Winter Appeal This winter’s essential works include the replacement of Waverley’s masts and dining saloon windows. If you would like to join the many others who have donated to this Appeal to help retain the authentic character of the ship please consider making a donation at waverleyexcursions.co.uk/supporting-wav… ⏰ 2026 Timetables & Bookings Coming NEXT Week The first of the 2026 sailing schedules will be released shortly, with bookings opening area-by-area as each timetable is confirmed. Sign up to our e-newsletter for priority updates and sailing announcements: waverleyexcursions.co.uk/newsletter-sig… #waverley #ship #sailing #paddlesteamerwaverley #STEAM #engine #paddlesteamer #engineering #engineer #timetable #bookings #thingstodo #shipping #steamengine #steamengineering

BEFS Member Glasgow City Heritage Trust has opened applications for its Training Grants 🧱 Supporting traditional skills training and professional development across Scotland’s built environment. Find out more 🔍 Apply here ➡️ glasgowheritage.org.uk/training-grant…

grt exhibit on Alfred Buckingham @ Nat Galleries - i do love when the photographers camera is on display !

⏰ Deadline approaching: BEFS is hiring a Net Zero Lead to drive a coordinated, evidence-led approach to tackle the climate emergency! 👇 befs.org.uk/about-befs/vac…

@MrAbercrombie @Scotmaritime now a kiddies play area 😉

@DSM888 @Scotmaritime For a wee while I worked for an architect who was based in the drawing office upstairs - nice place to work / aggressive seagulls!

its been a while but grt to visit the treasure that is the Denny Tank in Dunbarton - the feel - snell and aesthetic of an industrial facility is beautifully retained - great stories and technological innovation to be celebrated still ⁦@Scotmaritime⁩

@theohonohan not about class as the owners of Carron were high status folks but IH is still viewed in a certain light. My generation are the last to have memory of industry like this and its going fast. Historically we have certainly been focused on particular types.

@DSM888 Coming from Ireland where there is relatively little industrial heritage and less of an IH industry, I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Is it the aristocracy's history that you think is valued in the UK to the exclusion of industry? Valued in the form of NT properties?

this was one of the most important industrial enterprises in the world. At Carron the first castings for James Watt’s engine remains and physical remnants of an industry for over 200 yrs. Its not a blame thing but says a lot about what we see as being important and whose history.

Heritage sites across the north-east are at risk from climate change, decay and vanishing traditional skills. Now Historic Environment Scotland is asking difficult questions about how - and why - these places should be protected in the future. dlvr.it/TQNDPM

@RICSnews Scotland Manifesto calls for urgent action on skills to deliver housing, infrastructure & net zero goals. With 10,000+ construction jobs needed by 2028, closer govt-industry collaboration is essential. Read more: rics.org/content/dam/ri… #ScottishBudget

Portable Coffer Dam by Thomas Stevenson - beautiful illustration.

Cambuskenneth Abbey tower looking stoic today against the low winter sun

St. Peter's Tin Church is one of County Monaghan’s hidden gems, nestled in the countryside, among mature trees, in Laragh. The original church built in 1890 has been lovingly restored and preserved, to provide a unique, intimate & historic community venue. #Monaghan

aaaaaaargh !

aaaaaaaargh ! 😆😆😆😆

New blog hot off the press! Joining the dots for 2026 and beyond (Hazel Johnson, BEFS Director). Reflections on cross-sector collaboration in 2025 + how we build joined-up advocacy ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections. Read: ow.ly/iZN750XLzrH #BuiltEnvironment #Scotland