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Slates
Slate is a rock formed by subjecting fine soil to heat and pressure. It can be split into fairly thin layers. There were historically many kinds and colours of slates used for roofing churches. The commonest were West Highland, or Scotch slates, from Argyll, bluish grey in colour, and Welsh slates, thinner, and usually grey or purplish. Greenish slates were quarried near Aberfoyle, or brought from Cumberland. More recently Spanish and Chinese slates have been imported, but their durability is questionable. In repair work every effort should be made to match the existing slates. In Scottish weather thin slates are easily damaged, and should be avoided.
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