14SUMMER 2012NEWSTree trackersTREESoriginating from 21native pinewoods are beingused in a unique experiment at Inverewe Garden. The young pines have been grown at Inverewe fromseeds collected from sites that are remnants of theCaledonian pine forest that once covered much of thecountry. Visitors will notice new deer fencing.The trees form part of a long-term experiment that willtrack them until they are fully grown to test how theyrespond to the mild but damp climate in Wester Ross. Itis the start of an initiative by the James Hutton Institute.An identical experiment, using seedlings grown fromthe same mother trees, will take place in Aberdeenshire,where the climate is sunnier but cooler and drier.The work should help assess the prospects andbiodiversity value of the forests. Dr Glenn Iason, projectleader, said: "I am hugely grateful to staff at Inverewe."Regeneration prize THREADNEEDLEStreet in Peterheadwas declared winner of theRegeneration category of the RICSScotland Awards 2012.The competition, organised by theRoyal Institution of CharteredSurveyors (RICS) in Scotland,recognises the achievements of land,property and constructionprofessionals in four categories -Design and Innovation, BuildingConservation, Regeneration andCommunity Benefit. Threadneedle Street is a pair ofGeorgian terraces constructed in1771. It is a small, socially inclusiveproject and is part of the Trust's LittleHouses Improvement Scheme. Theproject, pictured right, is a housingand day care centre with three self-contained flats for physically andmentally impaired people. Thejudges were impressed with theconservation of the historic buildingsto provide, modern, flexible andaccessible accommodation which ishidden from the historic street front.The restoration is of high quality,well thought out and sensitive to itssurroundings. Stephen Copp, of the Trust, said:"The Little Houses ImprovementScheme is honoured to receive thisaward. Our goal was to work withthe local community to bring newlife to a group of neglectedproperties and to provide muchneeded housing for a vulnerableelement of society. We are delightedthat our efforts have been recognisedby such a significant institution asthe RICS."The right lines YOUNGwould-be poets can pick up tips from theexperts in a series of events at Gladstone's Land. Theproperty is working with the Scottish Poetry Library andScottish Historic Buildings Trust to host poetry workshopsfor primary 5 and 6 pupils. In sessions lasting from 10-2.30, they will work closelywith poet Ken Cockburn, education officer Lorna Irvineand the property's education guides. The children will geta tour of the tenement, focusing on aspects of the 17thcentury that will inspire their poetry in the afternoon. Street calls will recreate what selling wares on thestreet would have sounded like. The children will work inthe inspiring rooms of Riddle's Court to write their poemsand read them out to the class. Workshops will be hostedon 11, 19, 27 September and 4 October, National PoetryDay. Interested teachers should call 0844 493 2120.FOR THEDIARY3 OctoberThe annual lecturefor members in theLondon area takesplace at the RoyalGeographicalSociety, Kensington.For details contactOlivia Smart on07766 573369. Stone shelterARTand heritage conservation have come together in a creative partnershipin the grounds of Brodie Castle, site of Rodney's Stone, a Pictish monument. Fife artist Jon Warnes spent three weeks creating a sculptural willowwindbreak behind it. The idea is to give temporary protection from the windwhile a broadleaved woodland grows in place of recently felled conifers.Trust archaeologist Dr Shannon Fraser, who led the project, explained: "Thewoven willow complements the interlace patterns on the cross carved on oneface of the stone, while the windbreak's sinuous form and decorativeelements take their inspiration from mythical beasts on the other face."?