Leslie Merriman
Nominated for Category C. This award recognises a volunteer, professional individual or apprentice who has demonstrated the application of craft skills that have been key in repairing or rescuing a historic site.
Leslie joined the then Historic Scotland Orkney in 1990. After a four-year apprenticeship in Edinburgh he qualified as a stonemason and has worked on all the 41 sites in Orkney including Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Ring of Brodgar. Over the last 6 years Leslie has had the responsibility of mentoring with a determination and drive the apprentices which Historic Environment Scotland employ. Without his dedication and professionalism it is likely that future masonry skill on Orkney could have been in jeopardy. It is clear that the fruits of his efforts will be taken forward by the apprentices who will also now be able to pass skills onto future generations.
