I bet my old technology teacher never thought I’d end up recruiting artists and craftsmen to return a royal palace to its Renaissance glory. But that’s exactly what me and my colleagues involved in the Stirling Castle Palace Project have just been doing. It’s involved meeting some remarkable people – specialists in decorative ironwork, furniture making, embroidery, stained glass and other traditional skills. All are among the cream of current day craft practitioners from a heritage that stretches back over barely imaginable numbers of generations.

One of the great things about the project is that we can champion these centuries-old traditions. When the royal palace is fully refurbished in mid-16th century renaissance style it will be an amazing showcase for superb workmanship. For example we have an artist, using the same techniques as the old masters, recreating the religious images for a triptych for a portable altar like the one that Mary de Guise would have worshipped at in her palace bedchamber. There will be others who will create tongs, pokers and other paraphernalia used to keep the royal fires blazing against the winter cold. That’s without even starting on the wall hangings, carpet weaving, the making of the great royal four poster beds and so much more.

The forebears of these men and women created the luxuries which were the essence of the palace when it was first built. And today’s generation of craftsmen are just as important. They are not just recreating the past, but becoming part of the story of the palace by giving it a whole new future as a stunning Scottish visitor attraction. And this time round it can be enjoyed by everyone, not just the favoured few who were members of the Stewart court.

Peter Buchanan, Project Manager of the Palace Project