Alyth Craft Tourism are offering a unique Coracle Making Course with one of Scotland’s leading willow artisans, Jane Wilkinson from Thursday 2nd June – Monday 6th June 2016.

This is an opportunity to make a traditional Scottish fishing boat, the coracle or curragh. Coracles are skin-on-frame boats, which, along with dug out canoes were the earliest boats ever constructed, dating back to neolithic times. They were used as recently as the 1960s by local folk on the Tay and Esk.

Over the course of three days participants will make a willow framework with seat; lash the frame and then cover the coracle with heavy-duty cotton and discuss options for waterproofing. By the end of the course particpants will have a complete coracle and tin of bitumen paint to take away! (This course doesn’t include making a paddle, but Jane can provide contacts for paddle makers or stockists).

There is also the option to have a go at paddling a coracle on Loch Clunie, close by on the morning of Monday 6th June. Details of the course:

Arrive Thursday 2nd June Depart Monday 6th June

Day 1 : arrive, settle in, welcome supper and introductions

Day 2, 3 & 4 : 10 – 4pm, learn how to make your coracle with Jane

Day 5 : Optional paddling a coracle at Loch Clunie/Departure

Cost for one person doing the course, includes one boat and single person room occupancy £493. Cost for two people doing the course, includes one boat and shared room occupancy £688. Included in the price: 4 nights accommodation, 3 days tuition in coracle making with completed coracle to take home with you, all necessary craft materials, welcome supper on Thursday 2nd June, lunch on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Alyth Craft Tourism is a collaboration between independent self catering holiday accommodation providers and hosts at Kirklandbank Farm and Vanora’s Cottages and the willow artisan Jane Wilkinson, Special Branch Baskets

Additional Information: Pickups/Dropoffs from Dundee/Perth can also be arranged. Flights from Stanstead to Dundee available at c. £170.00 return if booked well in advance. Trains from London to Dundee/Perth at c. £100 return if booked well in advance.

For more information you can email Alyth Craft Tourism, the course will only run if a minimum number of 5 boats can be made.