In pictures: Lincoln Castle Heritage Skills Centre opening

Lincoln Castle celebrated the official opening of the Heritage Skills Centre on Friday, the first new building on castle grounds in 150 years.

The new Heritage Skills Centre was officially opened by Viscount Linley, with a welcome speech by Chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust Lord Cormack and a cake cutting.

The centre will provide a base for the teaching of traditional crafts and building skills, like stonemasonry and working with stained glass. Visitors to the castle will also be able to watch trainees at work.

Lord Cormack said: “I am extremely grateful to Lord Linley. His commitment to the crafts, and his skill, are admired around the world. By being with us he recognises the importance of this very special Heritage Skills Centre.”

Councillor Eddy Poll, Executive Member for Cultural Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s vitally important we pass these skills on to the younger generation to ensure they have the knowledge they need to maintain our historic buildings, like the castle and the cathedral, in future years. The centre will perfectly complement the wider improvements of the Lincoln Castle Revealed project, making the castle one of the UK’s top historic attractions.”