One of Scotland’s last remaining thatchers has warned that the centuries-old skill is on the brink of extinction unless more training opportunities are created.
Troy Holt, 26, from Dunkeld, travels across the Highlands and Islands to carry out his craft but says the tradition is fading fast.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is developing a Heritage Skills At Risk Register to highlight the building and conservation skills most at risk of disappearing.
These include thatching, stained glass making, architectural blacksmithing, and stonemasonry, all of which face a shortage of skilled practitioners.
Demand for these skills is growing due to the need to retrofit historic buildings to meet national net zero targets, yet training opportunities remain scarce.
A YouGov poll commissioned by HES found that 78 per cent of Scots believe it is important for more people to learn these heritage skills.
The survey also revealed that 82 per cent think there should be better training provision to ensure these skills are not lost.
Troy, one of only a handful of thatchers in Scotland, learned his trade through the HES Craft Fellowship programme, which supports him in working on conservation projects.
His upcoming work includes rethatching the Glen Coe Folk Museum, traditional timber buildings on the Isle of Lewis, and a project at Balmoral Castle.
He said the biggest challenges include the Scottish weather, limited daylight in winter, and working in remote locations with no electricity or heating.
Scottish vernacular thatching is especially endangered due to a decline in the number of thatched roofs, unlike in regions such as Devon where the tradition is more widely preserved.
The variety of materials historically used in Scotland, including heather, reed, marram, and bracken, adds to the complexity of preserving the craft.
Each material requires a different skill set, and with so few practitioners left, a significant amount of knowledge is at risk of being lost.
HES and Icon are collaborating with industry partners to develop the skills register to encourage a national conversation on preserving these crafts.
Scotland faces a severe lack of training facilities, with only two institutions – HES and the City of Glasgow College – offering courses in stonemasonry.
No courses exist for architectural blacksmithing or thatching north of Arbroath, further limiting opportunities for new apprentices.
HES runs training centres in Elgin and Stirling, offering pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, traineeships, and craft fellowships.
Troy is determined to keep thatching alive in Scotland, a craft deeply rooted in Gaelic working-class culture and dating back to the Iron Age.
While not commonly used for modern housing, heather thatch remains ideal for community shelters, workshops, and museums, making it vital to Scotland’s cultural heritage.
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, praised Troy’s dedication but warned that urgent action is needed to address the heritage skills crisis.
He stressed that traditional skills are not just about preserving the past but are essential to Scotland’s future, particularly in achieving sustainability and net zero targets.
