🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Keith Scobie-Youngs, a distinguished horologist and conservation specialist, and founder of the Cumbria Clock Company. With decades of experience working on some of the UK’s most significant historic clocks, Keith shares insights from his career, including the monumental task of restoring the Great Clock of Westminster, commonly known as Big Ben.

This engaging conversation explores Keith’s early fascination with clocks, growing up in Fairford, and the formative experiences that led him into the world of horology. He reflects on his journey into conservation, the skills required to work on historic mechanisms, and the responsibility that comes with preserving nationally significant timepieces.

The discussion further examines the intricate and highly technical process of clock restoration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs involved in working on Big Ben. Keith also shares his philosophy on craftsmanship, longevity, and the importance of maintaining traditional skills in an increasingly modern world.

This insightful episode is filled with expert knowledge and inspiring perspectives on heritage conservation and the art of timekeeping. Tune in next time for another deep dive into the people and practices shaping our built heritage.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Keith Scobie-Youngs

01:21 Keith's Early Life and Introduction to Clocks

02:13 First Steps in Horology

05:20 Transition to London and Early Career

12:12 Founding the Cumbria Clock Company

23:34 Challenges and Growth of the Business

30:31 Innovations and Product Development

40:45 Restoring Big Ben: The Ultimate Challenge

51:28 Team Effort and Project Management

51:40 Pricing and Contractual Challenges

54:08 Historical Overhauls and Repairs

55:39 Major Breakdowns and Repairs

57:25 Clock Mechanism Removal and Discoveries

59:42 Dimensions and Weight of Clock Hands

01:03:34 Workshop Challenges and Electric Winding System

01:09:49 Restoration and Testing of the Clock

01:16:21 Tolling the Bell for the Queen

01:27:53 Industry Insights and Future Prospects

01:36:00 Final Reflections and Contact Information

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Connect with Keith Scobie-Youngs and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scobie-youngs-fbhi-acr-63340a15/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cumbriaclockco/

Website: https://clockmaker.co.uk/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#Horology #BigBen #HistoricClocks

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Ross Balharry, founder of Bedrock Buildings, a specialist in round timber construction including Canadian log style, scribe log homes, and post-and-beam framing. Holding a first-class degree in structural engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Ross discusses how he combines technical expertise with hands-on craftsmanship to champion sustainable building through natural materials and heritage techniques.

This engaging conversation explores Ross’s early passion for building, his university experiences, and the challenges faced in the early stages of his career, including significant health issues that reshaped his outlook. Ross also shares the story behind founding Bedrock Buildings, the steep learning curves of his first projects, and the critical role of securing funding to grow the business.

The discussion further examines the realities of competing in the log cabin market, the demands of wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and the value a business mentor can bring. The episode also highlights the importance of SAP energy ratings and advocates for low-carbon building standards that prioritize natural materials.

This insightful episode is filled with practical lessons and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of sustainable building. Tune in next time for a deeper look into the intricacies of constructing log cabins.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to Ross Balharry and Bedrock Buildings

01:29 Ross's Early Interest in Building

02:26 University and Early Career Experiences

04:49 Health Challenges and a Change in Perspective

06:35 Starting Bedrock Buildings

07:46 First Projects and Learning Curves

11:21 Challenges and Growth in the Business

15:51 Building Techniques and Client Projects

25:47 Funding and Expanding the Business

39:47 Global Competition in Log Cabin Building

41:55 Challenges of Wearing Multiple Hats

44:43 The Importance of Business Mentors

49:35 Exploring SAPs Energy Ratings

52:05 The Benefits of Natural Building Materials

01:01:01 Advocating for Low Carbon Building Standards

01:12:17 The Future of Log Cabin Building

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Connect with Ross Balharry and learn more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedrockbuildings/

Email: enquiries@bedrockbuildings.co.uk

Website: https://www.bedrockbuildings.co.uk/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#SustainableBuilding #TimberConstruction #HighlandLogBuilding

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

🎙️ In this episode, Vincent Reed sits with Peter Boyd, Director of Trim Carpenters, a heritage timber restoration specialist based in Sydney, Australia. Peter shares his fascinating journey from arriving in Australia on a working holiday visa to founding a well-respected company focused on fine timber finishes.

Peter emphasizes his deep commitment to craftsmanship and heritage conservation, guided by meticulous attention to detail and respect for historical accuracy. The discussion covers the challenges of running a business, building a skilled team, and navigating the complexities of heritage protection laws in Australia.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights, professional tips, and stories from the field of heritage timber restoration.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:53 Peter's Journey to Australia

01:35 Starting in Construction

04:09 Transition to Carpentry

05:59 Visa Challenges and Solutions

07:52 Apprenticeship and Early Career

11:24 Building a Business

15:36 Challenges in Hiring and Team Building

26:46 Specialising in Heritage Timber Work

42:06 Meeting Robert and Starting the Journey

43:03 Heritage Buildings in Sydney

44:24 Architectural Influences and Woodwork

45:32 Restoration Projects and Wood Species

50:00 Heritage Protection in Australia

59:42 Managing Carpentry Teams

01:04:37 Balancing Passion and Business

01:14:24 Imposter Syndrome and Taking Risks

01:22:23 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Connect with Peter Boyd and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trimcarpenters/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trimcarpenters/

Email: peter@trimcarpenters.com.au

Website: trimcarpenters.com.au

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#Carpentry #Australian #SkilledTrades