Fifteen field support squadron members put their skills to the test in National Trust Cottage renovation.

Members of the Workshop Troop of the 38 Engineer Regiment are working in partnership with the National Trust's Building Department to renovate Rose Castle Cottage into a Trust holiday cottage.

Rose Castle Cottage, a Grade 2 listed cottage sits in a magnificent location overlooking Tarn Hows. It is remote and has no mains electricity, water or sewage.

The troop is using the project as a training exercise to prepare them for a tour of duty in Cyprus next year where they will be refurbishment of army facilities.

A plumber, gas engineer, joiners, plasterers and finishers, masons and draftsmen are working on the project, work includes:installation of a water supply, new borehole, water treatment, power generation and a sewage treatment plant; installation of a kitchen and bathroom; plaster work, decoration, masonry and joinery repairs and re-building a section of dry-stone boundary wall.

Once completed the Trust will be able to let the cottage.

WO2 Bob Munson, the troop Commander says "This task gives us an excellent opportunity to practice our skills but also to assist the National Trust in a really worthwhile project."

Tom Slater, National Trust Building Surveyor says, "We were approached by the Army to see if we had a suitable construction task for them. The renovation of Rose Castle Cottage sprung to mind but the cottage is small and flooding it with 14 tradesmen for three weeks seemed a daunting prospect. After meeting with the squadron I was confident they had the skills and correct approach for this project. Now they are on site I am highly impressed with their management, site control and most importantly their quality of workmanship and care for the building."