As our 2025/26 Courses programme wrapped up with the completion of our ever popular Glaze Intensive course this month, we take a look back at the second half of the programme.
Back in October we held two brand new courses at SSW, our Introduction to Metal Fabrication course taking place over 3 days and our 5 day Wild Clay Intensive. Into 2026, our 3 day Large Sculptural Handbuilding course returned in February and Glaze Intensive this March.
Participants immersed themselves in SSW’s workshops, exploring new materials and processes with hands-on guidance from our experienced and supportive technical team. The courses offered space to experiment, develop skills and gain confidence working with unfamiliar techniques.
After a full day in the workshops, evenings provided an opportunity to slow down, reflect on the days learnings and rest. Participants gathered in SSW’s communal spaces and enjoyed taking in the beauty and quiet of rural Aberdeenshire. Our intensive programmes included evening activities such as film nights, local walks, shared readings, saunas, and time around the fire pit (which also doubled as a pit firing). Special thanks to Sally Scott for preparing the delicious evening meals during our catered Glaze Intensive course, which were enjoyed together at the end of the day.
Our 2026/27 courses are available to book now, and include a new 3 day course focusing on glazes and atmospheric firings, including raku and pit firings.
If you would like to join us at SSW for one of our upcoming courses, there is still time to book onto:
Glaze Intensive (2 – 6 Nov 26)
Large Sculptural Handbuilding (17 – 19 Feb 2027)
Introduction to Glazes and Atmospheric Firing (24 – 26 Mar 2027)
Our Introduction to Metal Fabrication and Metal Fabrication Intensive courses are now sold out.
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Words from the participants, images by SSW and Rita MacDonald.
Had a blast in the metal fabrication workshop!
I learnt a great overview of metal fabrication techniques such as welding, cutting, grinding and plasma cutting. While working on my project I then learnt how to use these techniques to problem solve and create the structure in mind.
I was able to take away a metal sculpture that I was proud to have worked on.
Great course, really enjoyed my time there, was able to learn, explore materials, gain new skills.
The course instructor was knowledgable, helpful and enthusiastic.
Friendly, welcoming people and place
The course was really well paced and structured, with enough tuition and ongoing guidance, balanced with time to get into the flow of your own project.
I felt very welcome and encouraged as a beginner to engage in a wide amount of learning without feeling daunted.
A welcoming presence from the first point of contact, open conversation and warm smiles. That openness made me feel like I could just learn in the space and not worry as much about the perfection of work but rather the process of its creation.
I think SSW is an amazing example of how creativity can thrive in any location and become an integral part of its community.
I learnt so much!
I would 100% return again when next possible.
