A two-day, beginner, hands-on course to rebuild a section of dry-stone wall, learning the age old techniques of this satisfying craft.

Please note: In 2023 we had to move this third Course to from Kilsyth to Auchenfoyle because we didn't have enough stone at Kilsyth. In 2024 we will be attempting to get the stone at Kilsyth before the course in August but we can't guarantee that this will happen. We will attempt to get Kilsyth organised but please be aware that it may be moved to Auchenfoyle.

We have marked the course as "Kilsyth or Auchenfoyle" and will let you know the location around July.

Update 19 July: The August 2024 course will be held at Auchenfoyle.

The origins of building in dry stone, i.e. without the use of mortar, are lost in the mists of antiquity. Walling techniques are defined by the stone available, hence Scottish walls are crafted a little differently to other regions of the UK.

WSDSWA is a charity. We run 3 courses a year.

The training courses show you the basic rules of building a strong wall and enforce the learnings with practise over two days. Afterwards you should be able to build or rebuild your own walls to enhance your outside spaces. The physical effort involved is not great - you will be shown techniques to move any heavy stones.

The course runs over the weekend. Bring stout shoes, wet weather clothes, lunch and a snack for morning break, and some cheap, industrial gloves.

More info on the training can be found on wsdswa.org.uk/training

Please look at our FAQs to download/print a detailed set of directions to these locations.