| Abstract |
This report describes the outcomes of a desktop study to review the building stones that were produced historically in the area administered by Argyll and Bute unitary authority council, and identify those that have the best prospect of commercial success if they were brought back to market today. The project, which was commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) with Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a funding partner, is the first stage of a larger project seeking to bring about renewed building stone production in Argyll and Bute._x000D_
The report contains summary details for 24 building stones that are currently recognised in Argyll and Bute, and 154 quarries that are associated with these stones. A range of information for each stone is provided, including a list of the end-uses to which it might be suited today, an evaluation of its 'heritage value', and an assessment of the commercial environment into which it would be introduced if quarrying was renewed. This information is used to compile a shortlist of the building stones and quarries that are considered to have the most promising market potential, based mainly on the properties and pedigree of each stone, accessibility of the quarries, and the degree to which 'competitor stones' already exist in the market. Our assessment suggests that Furnace Porphyry, Cruachan Granite, Quarry Granite, Ross of Mull Granite, Highland Border Slate and West Highland Slate have the best potential for renewed production. |
