Scottish roses that adorn the White House

The Engine Shed (Scottish Gaelic: An Seada Einnsein) is a dedicated building conservation centre in Scotland. It is run by Historic Environment Scotland. They have an exhibition, which runs until 12 April 2019, on the 'Scots Who Built the White House'. In particular they look at how in 1794, a group of Scottish stonemasons left Edinburgh New Town for Washington DC to help build the official residence of the President of the United States. At this time Scottish stonemasonry was held in high regard and Scottish stonemasons carried out elaborate carvings on the facade of the structure. These include the  ‘Double Scottish Rose’ which features on different parts of the building. In 1780, gardeners in Scotland propagated the Scottish double rose and it became famous. So The Double Scottish Rose, which can be seen on every classical architectural pilaster around the White House holds a an enduring message from these skilled Scottish stonemasons.

The exhibition ‘Scots who built the White House’ is at the Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and will run until 12th April 2019. Visitors are able to attend during opening hours, which is 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday. Historic Environment Scotland (Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba) have kindly given us this additional information: 'The exhibition explores the work of Scottish stonemasons who emigrated to America during the 1790s to help build the White House. It looks at the position of Scottish stonemasonry in the world, traditional skills both historically and in the modern industry, the actual process of building the White House from planning to quarrying and carving, and the legacy of these stonemasons, to name a few. We are also displaying a Scottish Double Rose, the same as those you can see on the White House.' The location and information for visitors are given on the Engine Room website.