Courses 2026 – 27

Our courses are back for 2026/ 27 and this year we are heading deep into the foundations of making! Our courses are focussed on core making skills in both metals and ceramics –  taking place over either week long Intensive courses or 3 day courses. This year we are offering again our immensely popular Introduction to Metal Fabrication 3 day course as well as a new Week Long Metal Fabrication Intensive. In Ceramics we will be offering our legendary Glaze Intensive as well as two 3 day courses;  Large Sculptural Handbuilding and our new Introduction to Glaze and Atmospheric Firing.

For both our 3 day courses and week long Intensives each day is spent in our workshops supported by our experienced and supportive technical team. Participants also have access to SSW’s shared artists studio and library in the evenings. For Intensives there will also be a light early evening programme made of readings, walks and film nights related to the course themes to deepen your learning and connect the group with each other and the local surroundings.  All courses are self catered.

Courses at SSW are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new skill or hone existing talents – all within our welcoming, inclusive and creative environment. Based in our rural workshops in Aberdeenshire, participants can get to grips with new materials and processes, learn the basics and receive comprehensive tuition throughout.

At SSW we have a hands-on, warm and practical approach. Our highly knowledgeable team is experienced in supporting people of all levels and abilities to learn new skills, for both personal and professional development. Every year we welcome participants to our courses from all over the world and encourage a learning environment that fosters exchange and skill sharing amongst the group. 

By taking part in our courses at SSW you are also supporting all our wider work here  – whether that is keeping our Community Making Space Programme free for our local community or supporting us to offer a sliding scale on ceramics subscriptions or ensuring our residencies remain highly subsidised and accessible. Please contact us with any enquiries.