Following an address at the Natural Stone Institute\'s (NSI\'s) inaugural AGM in September by John Sutherland, who built \'Devonian House\' in the north of Scotland using local Caithness stone and quarry off-cut materials, the Institute visited the house as part of a study tour of the area on 24 and 25 May.

The tour also took in two flagstone quarries and other built heritage sites of interest, including the Camster Cairns, constructed 5,000 years ago.

The NSI delegation comprised geologists (including Hannu Luodes from Finland, because the NSI does not intend to be limited by geographical boundaries), stone and masonry companies, academics, mining engineers and the CITB.

During the visit they met with local politicians (MP, MSP, Convener of the local Council and other councillors).

The trip, organised by Highland Council officials, underlined the durability of stone as a building material. Many buildings there are still roofed by thinly riven large Caithness flagstone \'slates\', as well as having Caithness walling. It is integral to the distinctive character of the built environment in this particular part of the UK.

The Institute party visited an early Caithness flagstone production and export facility at Castlehill, regrettably now derelict, although there is a possibility that the entire site, with its remains of a wind mill (for pumping water), harbour (a construction worthy of a visit in its own right) and other buildings could become a flagstone / fossil museum and visitor attraction.

There was a visit to Lower Pulteneytown on the opposite bank to Wick and laid out in a grid pattern before the establishment of Edinburgh\'s New Town. And at Wick harbour the delegation was told of a project being considered to develop a new breakwater incorporating tidal turbines and a wind farm, both seeking to harness the energy of the North Sea.

The study tour was rounded off with a visit to the SSSI Red Point, where the old red sandstone deposits mark the margin of the Orcadian Basin.