15 Outdoor courses in Edinburgh

Alien spoons? Well, only because it is a memorable name and some of the knife grasps feel a bit alien to start with. You will soon get to grips with them and the focus of this workshop is learning to use safe and efficient carving techniques with hand tools - the axe, straight knives and hook knives... maybe also a drawknife on a shave horse. By following good technique you will avoid injuries and with regular stretching this will help you to look after your body as well as the tools. You should leave with the knowledge and confidence to carve safely at home. The tools are relatively cheap and easy to use in a small space. You will have access to a range of tools, but primarily use the Mora wood carving knives (106/120/164s) and be shown traditional designs for optimising strength and utility. Using these traditional tools you will make a spoon from local and sustainable fresh cut green wood - starting with a log and leaving with a spoon. From the initial splitting of the log with a froe or axe, trimming this down with an axe, and on to carving finer details and decorations with knives. Additional skills in building a shave horse and other green wood working can also be taught. This course is run from close to central Edinburgh and is accessible by public transport.  Depending on the weather it can be inside or outdoors in the wildlife garden. Courses can also be arranged to suit your availability! Please get in touch to discuss your requirements, discounts are available for small groups or multiple days. Course numbers are usually limited to five or less; individual training courses can also be arranged. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee, light lunch of bread and soup and snacks - All vegan Professional training in the use of a range of traditional tools. Advice on tool care and sharpening. Fresh cut (green) wood for carving. Some tools available for sale at competitive rates. Summary of course information emailed to you after the workshop.

training at home, fitness, personal trainer, workout, health

EFAW + Sport

Join artist Julie Galante for this in-person workshop, where we’ll take inspiration from the historic city of Edinburgh. Participants of all experience levels are welcome for this friendly, small-group experience.  We’ll start with some guided warm-up sketches before moving on to drawing exercises focused on composition, tone, and observation. By the end of the workshop you’ll feel more confident drawing your surroundings, no matter your previous drawing experience.  Please come dressed for the weather, ready to spend two hours outside. You may also want to bring along a folding stool or a rug to sit on while you draw (there will likely be benches available, but this is unpredictable).  Participants will also need to bring along some basic art supplies:  A sketchbook and/or some drawing paper and board (A4 or larger recommended) Various drawing pens and pencils Charcoal or graphite sticks An eraser Any other favourite art supplies that you may like to use I'll also have some supplies to hand for you to borrow or purchase (please let me know in advance if there's something in particular you need). Locations 22 July 2024: Princes Street Gardens 9 August 2024: St Bernard's Well and the Water of Leith Information about our precise meeting point will be circulated before the workshop. This workshop can take place in various locations around the city. If you have a request for a location for a future date, please get in touch. 

Perhaps you struggle to find the time and motivation to fit exercise into your working day? Or you're not sure about what exercise is right for you or how much you should be doing. Take away a set of personal physical activity goals for yourself to improve your fitness levels and general health and wellbeing. During the session we'll discuss: Facts about physical activity and exercise. How much exercise we should be doing to stay fit and healthy vs. how much to improve our fitness levels and strength. What are the components of physical fitness, types of exercise training and benefits of each. How to get started if you're new to exercise and easy ways to incorporate more exercise into your working week (Open discussion to establish the group's current activity levels and tailor advice and ideas) How you can motivate yourself to exercise more Q&A - a chance for the group to ask questions or advice