A similar but different external coating is called pebbledash.
This is when a soft cement finish is applied to a wall and pebbles or gravel are thrown at the wall. The pebbles stick to the wall giving a unique finish.
What are some of the features and advantages of both types of coating?
With both methods you end up with a irregular patterned but appealing finish on the exterior walls.
This is especially so with rough casting. Roughcast applied by an inexperienced individual can be a big mistake. A level of skill is vital in applying the material consistently to get a good final look. If rough casting is applied unevenly you end up with weaknesses in the coating which can cause problems later on.
Also with both types of coating you have great flexibility with regards to your choice of colour.
Another point to note is that both options are quite cost effective and this point may explain -to some extent -why both types of coating are very popular in Scotland.