News

We are excited to be offering a new skills development project – Scottish Stonemasons’ Marks Project (SSMP) – for students interested in learning a variety of skills based in the heritage sector, including archaeology, building surveying and recording, database logging, and even tour guiding.

Funded by Mark Your Mark, who work to increase the number and diversity of heritage volunteers in Scotland, the project will upskill students while providing valuable volunteers.

There will be two ‘taster’ trips to medieval sites (with train travel and lunch provided), the first to Glasgow Cathedral on Thursday 24 October, and another to be voted on by the students!

Students will learn about the stonemasons who built the spaces, as well as how to get involved – this may include identifying masons’ marks, drawing masons’ marks, inputting historical data into online software, and a range of other activities depending on personal interests.

Helen Murray, EnCompass Caseworker and SSMP project coordinator, says:
“This project takes into account the wide-ranging interest in history and heritage amongst our students, whilst providing the opportunity to learn new skills to fill gaps in volunteering and employment in the heritage sector. This is a hands-on project, rather than classroom-based, which will support students with different learning styles. It will allow students to challenge themselves to work as part of a group and work in a supported way to overcome social anxiety and mental health challenges. It will also allow them to visit, enjoy and learn to analyse heritage sites while increasing their employability and life skills.”

View the poster: here.

Scottish Stonemasons’ Marks Project is for registered Access to Industry students.
Ask your Caseworker, or contact Helen Murray on helenmurray@accesstoindustry.co.uk.