Scotland · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops & classes fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
A 2-hour beginner surf lesson at Dunnet Beach, Scotland. Wetsuit, board, and coaching included, with time to catch real waves.
“This was a last min booking after a few cans the night before, was a tad nervous but Finn is a great teacher and a great bloke , was very patient with me, great to see him after we watched him on the nc500 tv program, just wish we had this kinda thing in Essex,”
Make an Islander Harris Tweed mini satchel in Edinburgh, choosing colors and cloth lids. Hands-on 90-minute workshop near the Royal Mile.
“Great fun, plenty of choice and options might be worth looking at different handbags online before going as the choices are mind blowing .”
A private 2-hour surf lesson on Dunnet Beach in the Scottish Highlands, with wetsuit and equipment included and coaching tailored to you.
“This was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland this year! Iona is patient, engaging, knowledgeable and really passionate about the sea, the coast and the sport of surfing and this shows in the way she delivers her sessions. She is also local and her love of this part of the coast is truly evident. We were met promptly at the meeting point, provided with all the equipment we would need and then carried the boards to the beach. We had a safety briefing with her and, considering we were both novice surfers, important ‘do’s and dont’s’ to make sure we didn’t hurt ourselves. With that, we were…”
Private wildlife and photography workshop across South Skye with Stewart Dawber. Borrow spotting gear, learn ethical tracking, picnic included.
“Stewart is knowledgeable, witty and fun company. We spent a few memorable hours together as he shared more about how to appreciate the animals. It was a delightful and enjoyable experience. What we manage to do: i) spotted the lone otter snacking in the waters around the island under the Skyre bridge, ii) learnt more about the lighthouse and how it used to function, iii) sighted a group of Scottish Red deer, a cuckoo, a Goldenhead Eagle (elusive but rewarding as we waited). Absolutely wonderful!”
Private 3-hour Edinburgh photo masterclass with golden hour and night long exposures, plus hands-on feedback from Martin S.
“We are very serious to semi-professional photographers. When visiting new places, we look for private photography tours so we go to the best places for photography. Martin Smith, our tour guide, provided us with that. He is knowledgeable, personable, flexible, and fun to be with. We took us to places we'd not have found. We talked photography exploring each others interests and experiences. We would recommend him in a heart beat and hire him again the next we return to Edinburgh.”
Learn to surf at Cullen Beach with a small-group, 2-hour lesson. Equipment provided, safety first, and plenty of time in the water.
“I attended a surf lesson with Casey, along with my friends daughter. Casey did an excellent job of making us all feel at ease. Casey explained everything clearly and helped and encouraged us once we entered the water. We laughed, we fell in (a lot), we left exhausted and looking forward to the next time. Everything we needed was provided, it was such a great day and we would highly recommend it. It was excellent value for money. We are all looking forward to trying it again in the new year.”
Learn SUP in Portknockie Harbour with a structured 2-hour lesson, then paddle calm coves if conditions allow. Small group coaching.
“What a brilliant way to spend a morning despite me drinking lots of sea water! Finn was excellent in his instructions and demonstrations and gave us lots of time to practice. A great setting meant we could Paddle in the safety of the harbour, which was beautiful. I can’t recommend this company enough and thank you to Finn for a brilliant experience 👍👏”
Cook Cullen Skink, make all-butter shortbread, and enjoy a Burns-inspired haggis dinner in a small Edinburgh home class.
“I paid it gor a present to a friend of mine who went to visit Edjmburg, and who likes cooking. She called me when she finished tbe experience horrified and sick. The place was very old and really dirty, it was disgusting. The woman, who pretRead more”
Hands-on Scottish cooking at Fiona’s Edinburgh home on Corstorphine Hill: tea, shortbread, a two-course seasonal lunch, and skyline views.
“Most enjoyable and the host was welcoming. and the event was well done and the meal was excellent for us both”
Every kind of day out, from an hour under the Old Town to a week in the islands.
