01/08/2011
Maltese Training
LTM recently hosted three visitors from Malta for an intensive week of lime training. Over the years LTM has developed a good relationship with Heritage Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), having hosted the Leonardo da Vinci Scholarship over a number of years. This programme allowed students from Malta to develop practical skills on live conservation projects in Scotland with LTM, building a friendship based on the preservation of the built heritage.
Frank Chetcuti (Principal Conservator with Heritage Malta and Co-ordinator of the Vocational Programme in Masonry Heritage Skills), Alex Caruana & Anthony Vella (Masonry Heritage Skills Tutors with MCAST), started their week training on-site with LTM's masonry and plastering team at Drimnin House on the West coast of Argyll. The Maltese team sought to master the techniques of hand cast harling versus mechanical spray application of the same, alongside traditional plastering. After three days at Drimnin, and a four hour drive over to the East coast, the team then spent two days at LTM's Fife base at Law's Close, Kirkcaldy learning about 'hot lime' and gauged (hybrid) mortars, before spending some time visiting a selection of LTM projects in and around the Stirling and Glasgow areas.