Stonemasons at Work

 Introduction

 This post focuses on the ancient skill of stonemasonry (in Scotland).

 Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland

More information on Stonemasonry

 

There is a  saying that England is constructed with bricks as Scotland is constructed of stone.

 

As most tourists will know, Scotland is liberally endowed with stone resources which have been utilised to build castles, cathedrals, churches, houses, walls and more. Aberdeen is called the ‘granite city’ because most of the buildings are built from local granite whilst, on the other hand, Glasgow is largely built of softer sandstone. All around the countryside and Highlands can be seen stone walls (field boundaries) made from local stone and which last hundreds of years.

 

 Video clip of stonemason at work

 

 

 

Stonemasonry is a skill still in demand today especially for reconstruction and conservation work. The images and video  shown here were taken at historic, Rosslyn Chapel which dates from the 15th century the interior of which is a stunning display of the medieval stonemasons’ skill.

 

It is believed that Freemasonry grew out of early associations of stonemasons. The ‘Freemasons’ were outsiders not directly involved in stonemasonry work.It is pleasing that traditional stonemasonry skills are on view at visitor attractions like Rosslyn.  

 

Stonemason at work 

 

 

 

More Information.

For more information on activities, sightseeing and help for tourists generally please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.