Our Beginners Courses
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SW Scotland Branch of the DSWA runs two-day courses that are ideal for anyone who would like to 'have a go', either because they have a wall that needs rebuilding or because they are considering walling as a hobby or a new career option.

In 2026 we will hold courses on

25th/26th April at Beeswing between Dumfries and Dalbeattie

4th/5th July at Lockerbie tbc

5th/6th Sept at Gatehouse of Fleet

An application form for SW Scotland Branch courses can be found at the top of this page.

During the course the participants will be given the opportunity to practise all basic skills involved in stripping down and rebuilding a Dry Stone Dyke (this is the term used in Scotland to describe a mortarless wall). The tasks will be easily achieved by a person of reasonable fitness. By the end of the course they will have completely rebuilt a section of dyke and should be able to repair gaps in walls and to construct short sections of new or rebuilt dyke after adequate practice. The Course will commence at 09.00am and finish about 3.30pm each day.

Cost: £95

"Good value especially with lunch included"

"Organisers were very welcoming"

"Very motivating, course made it seem possible"

"Instruction pitched perfectly"

These are professional dykers from Scotland, holding DSWA Craftsman Certificates, who are trained instructors of the DSWA, as well as being highly skilled in the art of Dry Stone Walling. They have conducted training courses and demonstrations for a number of organisations such as the Countryside Commission, Agricultural Training Board etc. In addition to being First Class Craftsmen, they are also able to instill interest and enthusiasm in their Trainees.

Our courses are held in a number of locations throughout the summer.

These locations include:

- Ae Forest, Dumfries

- Rainton Farm, Gatehouse of Fleet

- Loch Arthur Community, Beeswing, Dumfries

- Girvan, Carrick, South Ayrshire

Dates of courses for 2026 can be found on the Calendar page

Participants should bring with them good working clothes, including wet weather gear, protective footwear with steel toe caps, gloves and goggles. Any other required tools will be provided. Hammers, gloves and goggles will be available for purchase at the venue.

The course will proceed even if it rains!

Yes - at training courses we provide all food and refreshments for the day and try and cater for all dietary requirements if you tell us beforehand.

If, after the course, you decide that the subject is of interest to you, you may wish to join the group and attend practice meets where you can expand your knowledge. Practice Meets are free of charge to members of the Branch.

Practice Meets will be held on the same dates as training courses as well as other locations and members wishing to attend should contact the secretary in advance.

The DSWA runs a number of residential training courses for dykers - to find out more take a look at their website here

The DSWA Craftsman Certification Scheme, run in conjunction with Lantra Awards, offers a series of nationally recognised qualifications in dry stone walling at Levels 1 (Initial), 2 (Intermediate) and 3 (Advanced). Full details of the scheme are available in the Craftsman Certification Scheme booklet