Scheme to preserve ancient craft skills expanded across island of Ireland

A pilot project to revive the ancient craft skills needed to maintain historic monuments and buildings is being expanded across the island of Ireland. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

A pilot project to revive the ancient craft skills needed to maintain historic monuments and buildings is being expanded across the island of Ireland.

The bursary scheme initially saw six students undergo an almost year-long training course in Northern Ireland to learn the stone masonry, thatching, metal forging and woodworking techniques required for heritage restoration work.