A major drive to recover evidence of lost architectural heritage along the Carse of Gowrie has been launched.
The Tay Landscape Partnership is to carry out a year-long study to hunt down and understand more about the region’s lost earth buildings.
Over the last three years the project has worked with local people to celebrate the distinctive mudwall homes that survive in and around Errol and give grants for their repair, but now they have been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to begin a study of the whole area.
The reconnaissance effort will be led by heritage expert Tom Morton who expects that the study will unearth many interesting finds.
‘We did a quick survey in 2012 which found 40 surviving and 60 lost earth buildings,” said Mr Morton of Arc Architects.
“This was amazing as the records only showed four, but we know there’s still a lot more out there to learn a lot about how people built with local materials in the past.
“Earth is also used in modern sustainable construction because it is natural, low-carbon, and recyclable.
“Although the tradition died out in the 20th century, later this year people in Errol will build the first mudwall building in generations — a shelter in the local park.”
Sophie Nicol of the Tay Landscape Partnership added: “It’s a great opportunity for people to get involved in learning about their local heritage.
“We are looking for volunteers to help comb through old records and check on the ground for remains of vanished buildings.”
Anyone who is interested is invited to an evening with the project team at the Blend Coffee Lounge, 275 High Street, Perth, on Friday February 3 from 6pm to 8pm. There will be information about the project and how people can get involved.
The team can also be contacted by phone on 01334 659800 or by email office@arc-architects.com.
