Heritage Crafts Endangered List

That the Parliament notes the belief that crafts are an important part of Scotland's history and culture and that the preservation of traditional and heritage crafts is important and worthwhile; understands that Heritage Crafts has published the fourth edition of a ground-breaking list of crafts, ranking heritage crafts based on the likelihood that they will survive into the next generation; further understands that a heritage craft is considered to be viable if there are sufficient craftspeople to transfer the craft skills to the next generation; notes with concern reports that, across the UK, well over 100 crafts are endangered or critically endangered; understands that a number of Scottish crafts are considered endangered, including kilt making, sgian dubh and dirk making, Orkney chair making, Shetland lace weaving, shinty caman making and Highlands and Islands thatching; commends Heritage Crafts and its generous donors for providing small grants to fund projects supporting endangered crafts; understands that projects eligible for support include developing new and innovative approaches, taking on a trainee, teaching courses, and continuous professional development; notes the belief that supporting the survival of heritage crafts is important to the history and culture of Scotland, and further notes the calls to support any measures to preserve these skills and help them survive into the next generation.