Slate Roofing in Edinburgh and East Lothian
Repairs, re-slating and traditional Scotch slate work by roofers who know these buildings.Traditional slate roofing and reliable repairs across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife.
Slate roofing that stands up to Scottish weather!
Natural slate installed and maintained properly by a team that knows what Scottish roofs go through.
Slate has protected Scottish rooftops for generations, and when it is installed and maintained properly, there is nothing that outperforms it in our climate. At Past & Present Roofing, slate work is central to everything we do. With over 50 years of combined experience, we carry out slate roofing across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and Fife — from individual repairs on period properties to full re-slates on tenements and heritage homes.
We work with two types of natural slate: traditional Scottish slate for heritage and conservation work, and premium Spanish slate for new installations and replacements where a consistent, sharp finish is the priority. Both are laid with the same care for correct fixing, weathering and detailing. The result is a roof that performs reliably and looks right for the building it sits on.
What our slate roofing service includes?
We handle the full range of slate roofing work across Edinburgh and East Lothian, whether the job is a small repair or a complete roof renewal.
Slate roof repairs
Broken, slipped or missing slates repaired correctly, addressing the root cause — whether that is a corroded nail, failed lead flashing or deteriorated sarking board — not just the visible symptom.
Full re-slating
When a roof has reached the point where ongoing repairs are no longer cost-effective, we strip the covering, inspect and repair the timber structure, renew the underlay and flashings, and lay a new slate roof built to last.
Heritage and conservation work
We have experience working on listed buildings and properties within conservation areas across Edinburgh and East Lothian. We understand what planning authorities and conservation officers expect, and we source materials that meet those requirements.
Leadwork, ridges and flashings
A slate roof performs only as well as its lead detailing. We carry out all associated leadwork — flashings, valleys, abutments and ridge work — as members of the Lead Sheet Association.
Traditional Scotch Slating
We specialise in traditional roofing methods using Scottish slate, a trusted choice for heritage buildings and period homes across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Our work is carried out with care for the building’s character, using correct fixing, weathering and detailing.
Whether you need slate repairs or larger renewal work, we focus on a durable, authentic finish that sheds water properly and stands up to Scottish weather. The goal is a roof that looks right and performs reliably for years.
Included in our service
- Slate matching and traditional repair techniques for a consistent finish
- Correct membranes, battens and fixings suited to Scottish conditions
- Careful detailing around chimneys, valleys, abutments and roof edges
Spanish Slating
We install premium Spanish slates that offer a crisp appearance and long term performance. This is a strong option when you want consistent sizing and a roof that maintains a sharp finish over time.
Every installation is planned around the roof pitch, exposure and drainage, with attention to ventilation and weathering details. We take care with ridges, verges and junctions so the roof looks tidy and stays watertight.
Included in our service
- Full Spanish slate installation using correct slate and fixings
- Breathable membrane, battens and ventilation where required
- Neat detailing at ridges, verges, valleys and abutments
Why is natural slate still the best choice for Scottish properties?
Scotland’s climate is hard on roofs. Rain, wind, freeze-thaw cycles and coastal exposure all take their toll across East Lothian and Edinburgh. Natural slate — whether Scottish or Spanish — handles all of it.
A well-laid slate roof is naturally waterproof, frost-resistant and fire-resistant. It does not degrade under UV exposure the way some modern materials do. On Victorian and Edwardian properties throughout East Lothian and Edinburgh, original slate roofs installed well over a century ago are still performing — the material outlasts almost everything put up after it.
For listed buildings and properties in conservation areas, natural slate is often the only material planning authorities will accept. Using an inferior substitute on a heritage property can create problems when you come to sell, and may trigger an enforcement notice. Getting the material right from the start avoids all of that.
There is also the matter of property value. A properly maintained natural slate roof signals quality to buyers and surveyors. It adds to rather than subtracts from what your property is worth.
Not sure which service you need?
Send us a few details and, if possible, a couple of photos. We will advise you on the best next step and provide a clear quote for the right solution.
Service Area
Slate roofing across Edinburgh, East Lothian and beyond
We are based in Edinburgh and cover a wide area including East Lothian, Midlothian and Fife. We regularly carry out slate roofing work — both Scotch slating and Spanish slate installations — across the following areas:
Edinburgh: Leith, Portobello, Newington, Bruntsfield, Stockbridge, Morningside, Corstorphine, the New Town and surrounding areas.
East Lothian: Musselburgh, Haddington, Prestonpans, Tranent, Longniddry, Cockenzie, Gullane, North Berwick and Dunbar.
Midlothian and Fife: Dalkeith, Penicuik, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and the surrounding areas.
FAQ
Common Slate Roofing Questions
A full natural slate roof in Scotland typically costs around £150 to £220 per square metre. For most homes that means roughly £13,000 to £30,000 depending on size, pitch and access. We give free surveys and fixed written quotes.
Replacing a few slipped or broken slates usually costs between £200 and £500. Larger repairs can run into the low thousands, depending on the cause.
When more than 20–25% of the slates are damaged or missing. Historic Environment Scotland and the IHBC advise that if more than approximately 20 to 25% of the slates are damaged or missing, a full strip and re-slate is likely necessary. Widespread nail sickness is the other main trigger.
Welsh slate lasts 150 to 200 years and Spanish slate 75 to 150 years. The slate usually outlasts its fixings, so maintaining nails and leadwork is what matters most.
Nail sickness — the corrosion of the nails holding the slates, which causes them to slip. The slates themselves can usually be reused because they decay much slower than the nails.
Higher upfront cost, the weight of natural slate, and the fact that slate can be brittle and prone to cracking under direct impact. It also needs skilled installation to last.
Usually slipped or cracked slates, failed lead flashing, or corroded nails. Leaks often appear away from the actual entry point, because water tracks along the timbers before showing on the ceiling.
Usually not for like-for-like replacement. Historic Environment Scotland says you probably won't need listed building consent for like-for-like replacement that doesn't affect the building's character, but listed buildings and conservation areas have stricter rules. We'll advise during the survey.
Yes. Standard home surveys often miss slate problems like nail sickness and slipped slates, which can be costly after you move in. We carry out pre-purchase inspections across the area.