Jamie McNamara focuses on Ireland’s historic town centres as a wonderful opportunity for traditional skills employment and increased housing supply Putting Town Centres First

In this Episode, Alison speaks to Jamie McNamara from SPAB. Jamie shares insights into the Heritage sector in Scotland, and the differences between it and the Irish model. Jamie talks about conservation and repurposing systems in Scotland and how they compare to Ireland’s. The two discuss the role of the Irish Diaspora in advancing the conservation sector and industry in Ireland. Jamie calls for a national taskforce for a renaissance of traditional skill sin Ireland.  

Jamie also speaks about the City Heritage Trusts in Scottish Cities and their funding and benefits, and potential outcomes of the Irish-Scottish bi-lateral agreement in terms of learning from our peers.  





Heritage sector generated over £4bn for Scotland’s economy in 2017-18




Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS)




This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.