Clay Building Heritage

Buildings that were “made out of the ground upon which they stood” were once the most common vernacular structures in parts of Scotland. In the Carse of Gowrie, a substantial number of significant historical structures survive that demonstrate the local tradition of mass clay walls or mud-wall.  Some of these building are 200 years old. This construction method is virtually unrecognised, poorly recorded and not properly appreciated, protected or celebrated either locally or nationally. The buildings do not respond well to repairs in modern materials and fail rapidly, sometimes catastrophically, if not maintained appropriately. The project looks to secure the future of this now very rare construction method via repairs, training, awareness raising and education. Find out about the area’s nationally important collection of clay buildings – many of which still stand on the ground they were created from.

Clay Building Maps

Reports

Grants Reports

Clay Building

To celebrate the clay building heritage, the first clay building in Errol for 200 years was built in the local park. Why not visit the shelter and check out the seats.

Clayfest

A week long festival of workshops, talks, art projects and community events was held in Errol, 8th – 13th June 2015.
The festival celebrated the culture of building with earth was coordinated by national charity Earth Building UK, and supported by the Tay Landscape Partnership and national heritage bodies.

In support of Clayfest! TayLP held an exhibition in Perth Museum and Art Gallery to celebrate our rich earth building culture and discuss the 21st century problems it faces. We are looking for local venues for our touring pop-up exhibition to go – get in touch if you know a good venue!

Clay house reconstruction

Horn Inscription Report

Popup banners

Gallery

Links

Arc Architects/Rebearth
HES
RSGS/Fair Maids House
NTS