This trip combined a rooftop tour of the Admiralty Arch, participation in the NFRC Awards event in London, a technical and cultural visit to Holker Hall & the Burlington Stone quarry operations in Westmoreland, England, and concluded with tours and sightseeing in Edinburgh, Scotland. The journey provided valuable insights into the slate industry, craftsmanship, quarry operations, historic architecture, and industry relationships.
Special thanks to Brunno Batista, Heidi & Megan Ellsworth, and John Chan for providing most of the pictures & video.
Admiralty Arch Rooftop Tour
After arriving in London and getting settled in, the group was presented with the opportunity to tour the rooftop of the Admiralty Arch. This would not have been possible without the help of the NFRC and EWN Leadwork Specialists.
The Admiralty Arch is a historic landmark in central London, located at the western end of The Mall near Trafalgar Square. The structure features three large arches for vehicle traffic and two smaller arches for pedestrians, creating a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace along The Mall. Admiralty Arch is known for its impressive Edwardian architecture, detailed stonework, and ceremonial importance during royal events and parades. Today, the building remains one of London’s most recognizable monuments and is being transformed into a luxury hotel and private residences while preserving its historic character.
*Picture Slideshow Throughout*
NFRC Awards & Industry Networking
The NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2026 took place on May 8th, 2026 at the InterContinental London – The O2, bringing together more than 900 professionals from across the roofing and construction industries. Hosted by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the annual event celebrated excellence in roofing workmanship, innovation, safety, sustainability, and project delivery across the UK.
The awards featured 16 specialist roofing categories along with major honors including Project of the Year, Industry Choice Award, Young Roofer of the Year, and Health & Safety recognition. Industry leaders, contractors, suppliers, architects, and manufacturers attended the sold-out ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Sara Barron and included networking events, sponsor showcases, and after-party celebrations.
This was an important event to attend because it showcased a level of professionalism within the roofing industry that is currently unmatched in the United States. Attendees will bring back not only the entertainment value of the event, but also the sense of prestige and recognition surrounding exceptional roofing projects, with the goal of elevating the standards and culture of the industry here in the U.S.
Holker Hall and Burlington Stone
The group awoke early on Tuesday morning for a 3 1/2 hour coach ride to visit Holker Hall and Burlington Stone.
Holker Hall is a historic country house located near Cartmel in Cumbria, England, on the edge of the Lake District. Dating back to the early 17th century, the estate has been home to the Cavendish family for more than 400 years and is regarded as one of the finest stately homes in northern England. The hall combines Elizabethan and Victorian architectural styles, with much of the building rebuilt in the Jacobean Revival style after a major fire in 1871.
Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland, and parkland, Holker Hall is renowned for its elegant interiors, historic art collections, and scenic grounds. Visitors can explore formal gardens, walking trails, and seasonal exhibitions, while the estate also hosts events, festivals, and weddings throughout the year. Today, Holker Hall remains a privately owned family residence and a popular tourist attraction within the Lake District region.
Burlington Slate Quarry – Westmoreland, England
The second phase of the day focused on Burlington Slate’s quarry and manufacturing operations in Westmoreland. The visit provided a firsthand look at large-scale slate extraction, cutting, grading, and finishing processes.
The quarry showcased impressive natural slate formations and demonstrated the scale required to extract high-quality roofing and architectural slate. Quarry staff explained how blocks are identified, cut, and transported for finishing.
The operation also demonstrated the specialized saws and machinery necessary to handle large stone sections safely and efficiently. The visit reinforced the craftsmanship and technical expertise required throughout the production chain.
Beyond the industrial side of the operation, the surrounding landscape highlighted the connection between the slate industry and the regional environment. The scenic views of the English countryside added context to the historic importance of quarrying in the region.
Edinburgh – Cultural & Historical Tours
The final portion of the trip concluded in Edinburgh, Scotland. The city provided a rich backdrop of historic architecture, preservation, and urban planning. Tours included the Holyrood House, Edinburgh Castle, a ghost tour through Greyfriars Kirkyard, Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Linlithgow Palace.
The Edinburgh experience highlighted the enduring role of stone and slate in traditional architecture throughout the UK. It was impressive to see almost every home with a slate roof. The tours also provided opportunities for additional relationship building and reflection on the technical insights gained during the trip.
Conclusion
This trip successfully combined industry engagement, technical education, and cultural exploration. The NFRC Awards event reinforced the strength of relationships within the roofing and slate industries, while the Burlington Slate quarry visit provided valuable operational insight into premium slate production. The Edinburgh tours concluded the journey with a deeper appreciation for the architectural heritage and craftsmanship that continue to shape the built environment throughout the United Kingdom.
These trips only happen ever so often and we are always looking for participation from members. I hope you enjoyed reading this recap and hope you can attend the next trip!
National Slate Association’s Mobile Field Guide
mobile.slateassociation.org is available free of charge via an internet browser on your smart-phone* or tablet when an internet connection is available.Or you may also scan the QR code here with your QR reader.
Click here to download the Mobile Field Guide press release.
*The NSA Mobile Field Guide is best viewed on iPhones, iPads and the newer Android phones. Windows® smart phones are not supported at this time. The mobile site is not intended or formatted for desktop computers or laptops.
Great job organizing this Tom Stortz (and John Chan, Gary Howes, and others)!
Thank you for including me in this trip. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Particularly meeting all the good folks.
Gary
Great trip. We were honored to be a part of it. Thank you all!
This was a great educational trip that was well organized and enjoyable! Thanks to all involved.
It was a pleasure for David and I to connect with our fellow NSA members at the NFRC awards in London. We’re looking forward to continuing those conversations at the NSA conference in September.