Scottish study tour

Led by John Sweeny (Sawmills coordinator, Woodknowledge Wales), this tour will look at various timber related businesses in southern and central Scotland to see homegrown timber used in all aspects of timber construction from softwood carcassing timber from the borders milled at Lockerbie and used by Alexanders in a modern timber frame factory, Scottish Wood and Abbey Timber producing cladding, flooring and joinery stock from hardwood and softwood, Caledonia Timber milling large structural elements in Douglas Fir and the craftsmanship of Realwood Studio’s producing bespoke furniture from locally sourced hardwoods. We also hope to visit the inspirational Tim Stead Trust, a monument to creative vision and craftsmanship.

Travel will be by minibus and accommodation (Bed and breakfast or hotel with breakfast) in single rooms will be provided. Transport will be by minibus and will depart from northeast Wales on the morning on Tuesday 5th May.

To keep costs to the participants as low as possible, we will leave meal expenses to individuals.

Return travel to Wales on Saturday 9th May passing through Kielder forest, Europe’s largest plantation. It is expected we will reach north Wales mid afternoon.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday 5th May

Travel from Wales to James Jones and Sons Sawmill, Lockerbie.

Tour of the sawmill and visitor centre building.

Overnight stay at Marina View Hotel, Irvine.

Day 2: Wednesday 6th May

Morning visit to Alexander’s Timber Design factory

Afternoon visit to Scottish Wood, Dunfermline

Overnight stay at Keavil House Hotel, Crossford.

Day 3: Thursday 7th May

Morning visit to Caledonia Timber, Melrose

Afternoon visit to Abbey Timber, Duns, Scottish Boarders

Overnight stay in The Royal Hotel, Jedburgh.

Day 4: Friday 8th May

Morning visit to Realwood Studio, Jedburgh

Afternoon visit to Tim Stead Trust TBC, Blainslie, Scottish Borders

Overnight stay in The Royal Hotel, Jedburgh.

Day 5: Saturday 9th May

Return to North Wales arriving early afternoon

Audience

Smaller scale sawmills, timber framers, architects, foresters are all welcome to attend the visit.
Cost: £650. A deposit contribution of £300 is requested to ensure a place. Balance payable by Monday 27th April. A discretionary bursary may be available to support participants from SME’s /Community groups/self employed, contact John Sweeny to discuss individual circumstances: [email protected]

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