Provision of a Literature Review and Audit of Dundee Sandstone Roofing Slates

Description

The purpose of commission is to prepare a literature review on the history of Dundee sandstone roofing slate, as well as complete an audit of the remaining buildings roofed with Dundee sandstone (otherwise known as Angus roofing slate or Carmylle slate) across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth and Kinross Council areas. The purpose of which is to enable HES to better understand the cultural significance of the material and risk to our built heritage. Dundee Sandstone while predominantly used for paving and building stone, also has a history of being split and dressed and used as a roofing slate (otherwise known as Angus roofing slate or Carmylle slate). There are a number of high status, culturally significant buildings that still have Dundee sandstone slate on the roof, such as the great hall at Edinburgh Castle. There is a gap in the knowledge and understanding of the material, and how it has been used a roofing material. The purpose of undertaking a literature review and audit is to inform what we know about the material, its history, how it was processed and installed on a roof, as well as discuss the cultural significance of Dundee Sandstone as a roofing material.