Preserving Heritage Through Technology: Falkirk Students Engage in Restoration Project

A cohort of around 80 students from Larbert and St Mungo’s High Schools are actively engaged in an educational programme focused on conserving local heritage through the utilization of modern technology. These students are currently immersed in a series of workshops led by experts from WSP, Lost Art Limited, and Historical Environment Scotland, as part of the Bruce Obelisk restoration project.

The workshops cover four key areas: creating patterns for ironwork, ironwork restoration and embellishment, utilizing 3D imaging and printing, and augmented and virtual reality, as well as employing thermal imagery to detect heat loss. Through these workshops, the students have the chance to acquire hands-on experience with a range of tools and technologies, enabling them to grasp the practical application of their learning.

In addition to these workshops, the students will also have the opportunity to explore potential career paths in the construction industry. Councillor Iain Sinclair, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for education, underscored the importance of this practical experience, stating, “Pupils will gain first-hand insight into how specialized skills and new technology can significantly impact the preservation and restoration of our built heritage.”

Furthermore, Ali Davey, traditional materials project manager at Historic Environment Scotland, stressed the significance of involving local communities in the restoration process, remarking, “We are delighted to be able to introduce students to the various ways in which we work, utilizing a range of new technologies to help conserve a key aspect of our national heritage.”

The Bruce Obelisk, a cast-iron monument commissioned in 1785 by James Bruce to commemorate his wife Mary, stands as a significant piece of local history, representing Falkirk’s craftsmanship and heritage during the Industrial Revolution. Although the obelisk has withstood the test of time and the elements, it began to deteriorate and subsequently underwent repair in 2023. Through the collaborative efforts of the local community and funding from various sources, including Historical Environment Scotland and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, the restoration of the Obelisk is currently in progress and is expected to return to its original site in Larbert Old Church by late spring of 2024.

In conclusion, this educational initiative not only aims to preserve local heritage but also offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience with state-of-the-art technology in the restoration and preservation of historical landmarks. The incorporation of new technologies into heritage conservation has proven to be an effective method of engaging and educating the younger generation about the value of their local history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.