Archipelago Folkschool
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Reviews 27
Fiona
Jan 16,2020Half Model Boat Making Course - I began this course with no wood working skills and managed to leave at the weekend with a half boat model that looked a lot like a St Ayles Skiff and that I had made! There was a range of levels of skills among the particpants on the course - some of the other students were obviously used to using hand tools but seemed absorbed in learning new skills. I on the other hand was very daunted by working with plans to effectively carve a block of wood into an accurately scaled down boat hull - even using a block plane seemed impossible at first but step by step Ben Wilde guided us through the stages needed and the best tools to use. He introduced a context for half boat models, background of choices of timber for model and boat making and a guide to basic tools. By the end of the course I was using the right tool for the right bit of the job and I was really enjoying myself. The atmosphere on the course was friendly and open - it was a good weekend. I just need to get myself some tools now!
Mhairi Killin
Aug 22,2019The course was led by Ben Wilde, director of Archipelago Folkschool who expertly guided four of us through six days of skills learning from basic woodwork techniques to oar making to the final launch of our beautiful skiff. An immensely satisfying week, led by an experienced and enthusiastic tutor. The company of the group and the setting of the island could not have been better. Adding in a boat trip midweek with Mark Jardine of Alternative Boat Hire on board a traditional wooden ex-working sailing fishing boat, the Birthe Marie, provided a break from the workshop and an exhilarating chance to navigate around the coastlines of Mull and Iona on a bright and very windy day. Fanatstic week working with a very genuine and worthwhile enterprise and by the end we all felt connected through the process of craft.
Koy
Aug 20,2019This is an exceptionally well delivered and managed course. Ben guides 6 boat building novices through a process that ends up with six beautifully shaped and functional Greenland Kayaks. The permutations of mistakes that we happy amateurs can make must be limitless. And we sure did make some mistakes. But Ben was very cool in sorting things out, and finding solutions that got us back on track. You pick up skills along the way - which you will need in finishing your Kayak when you get it home. Epoxy resin now holds no fear for me, even when smoking in the corner. It is intense but pleasurable work, and if you are lucky - and we were, the crowd you are thrown in with are great company. Ben is a genius at alternating solo work, with work in pairs, and then all working on one Kayak. This engenders a great sense of team working and care for the progress of your fellows. Mull is a great place to be, but it can be wet and howling. Make your camping comfortable. Hanna, Ben's partner and an artist, kindly helped out with keeping us fed and comfortable. I would absolutely recommend this course. But be prepared for a good many of hours work finishing when you get home. Koy
Laura Taylor
Aug 15,2019Had a fab time. I really enjoyed building the kayak and when I look at it I still can't believe it only took a week and that I did it. This is a full on course with long days, I got to use new tools and learn techniques from Ben our instructor who is passionate about boats. I loved being thrown together in a random group and because for some processes you work as a team its a real bonding experience. Mull is beautiful so if you go I would advise staying longer so you can explore some more. Neil's croft, where the workshop is, is in a beautiful location a mile up the road from a small town which I can't pronounce and the food, cooked by Ben's wife Hannah, was so good, I ate so much baking during the week, which was fine cos I was burning it off with all the planing and sanding. There is some finishing to do, despite it being watertight and treated enough by day 7 to take out on the water. However I am raring to go and Ben has provided a helpful instruction sheet and is at the end of an email. They really are beautiful boats and on the 12 hour drive home with it on my picanto's roof rack I had half a dozen people ask me about it. I really can't emphisize enough how much I enjoyed this week and how helpful Ben was, if you love a purposeful holiday, and being outdoors in a remote location then this is for you. Thank you Ben and Hannah for a great week.
Nick Betts
Aug 13,2019Throw four strangers together and build a boat in a week - what a cracking idea! Perfect location, brilliant company, excellent food and satisfying days in the workshop. It is only when you get home and reflect, that you realise what an immense week it was - nothing could have been better.
Chris Ridge
May 27,2019The first Archipelago Folkschool Kayak building course Outstanding in technical quality, friendly approachable people and great food. Six of us all all from different walks of life worked long but enjoyable days all with the backdrop of the beauty of Mull and a very well set up workshop. Sometimes we worked alone but more often in groups on each others kayaks. Ben and Mike were incredibly helpful with woodworking and epoxy handling advice End result six kayaks ready to launch in 7 days There is finished work to do and clear advice has been given on how to do this .I would recommend this course as the best activity break I have been on and I left with a high end performance kayak which has drawn the interest of many including a man who followed me into a carpark in Oban to get a better view and a man I camped next to who shared a dram of his special birthday bottle of cask strength Islay malt as he was so enthralled by the kayak . Very well done to Ben Mike Jo and the other lady who cooked for us whose name I have forgotten . Well done and thank you Archipelago Folkschool
Scotnish Lodge, PA318PG, Tayvallich, Lochgilphead, GB
http://archipelagofolkschool.org
Dr Janet Fraser
Jan 21,2020I loved this course! Didn’t have much experience of woodworking although I inherited some tools from my brother. I now know how to use them confidently and maintain and sharpen them. Galgael is a great venue and Ben is an inspiring and enthusiastic teacher and makes good soup too! I’m delighted with my model, currently deciding where to hang it once I’ve finished painting it. Also hoping to make another model of my own boat, a Z4, once this one is completed. I highly recommend this course.