SCOTLAND
Straw weaving
workshop in Shetland
June 13-23, 2027
$6,200 USD per person | SHARED ROOM
$7,600 usd per person | private room
Join Thread Caravan & Hannah Haworth of Handa Textiles on the northern isle of Shetland, Scotland where we will be taught the ways of straw by veteran local weavers Eve Eunson and Catherine. All experience levels welcome.
Basketry has a long history in Scotland, deeply rooted in the country's social and economic life: Many essential tools for domestic and social activities were woven from local materials such as straw. The baskets were integral to the crofting and fishing communities, used for storing, carrying and merchandizing various items, from peat and seaweed to fish and animal fodder. In the North Sea archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland, weaving materials were scarce and thus developed a fascinating regional tradition of weaving with the straw left behind from farming crops such as oats. Straw was used in a unique way to make furniture such as chairs as well as multi-use baskets. Basketry is an important part of Scottish cultural heritage, reflecting the ingenuity of past generations and their connection to the natural world.
Our trip will take us via road and overnight ferry from the gothic city of Edinburgh to the remote islands of Shetland in the North Sea; where we will immerse ourselves in the traditional straw basketry of the region. When we are not weaving with straw, we will fill our days with scenic walks around the hills, beach cliffs and archaeological sites of this stunning northern island.
Experience Shetland
Shetland in June offers a mix of clear northern light, mild weather, and long days, ideal for exploring its history and cultural traditions. The islands sit between mainland Scotland and Norway, and this location has shaped everything from their language influences to their architecture and seasonal customs. Shetland was under Norse rule for centuries before becoming part of Scotland in the 15th century, and that blend of Scandinavian and Scottish heritage is still visible in daily life, the landscape, and community events.
During this trip, we’ll be weaving a Skekler hat, a craft connected to one of Shetland’s old midwinter traditions. Skeklers were masked figures who appeared around New Year, wearing tall straw hats and full straw outfits. They went from house to house performing simple dances and offering symbolic good wishes for the coming year. The practice likely has roots in both Norse winter rituals and local farming culture. Although it faded out in the early 20th century, interest in Shetland’s folk traditions has led to a careful revival of Skekler costume-making, guided by local researchers and craftspeople.Learning how to weave the hat provides insight into the islands’ agricultural past and the communal nature of their festivals. Afterward, we’ll celebrate with a traditional music performance.
After weaving hats, we’ll spend time weaving traditional style Shetland baskets with oat straw. In the afternoons and evenings (sun will set after 10pm!), we’ll explore the vast and scenic history of the island with Martin’s guidance.
cohost,
hannah haworth
Hannah Haworth has been interested in craft since she was a child, fortunate to grow up in a small indigenous village in the Philippines with a very rich cloth + basket weaving culture. As a teenager she returned to her native Scotland and became increasingly interested in local textiles and their ancestral regional practices. She studied sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art where she took up knitting and made several large-scale sculptures of animals and other natural forms, which she continued to produce and exhibit throughout her 20s when she emigrated to the US. At that time she began working in design in NYC and started really enjoying making garments and homewares for herself and friends whilst learning more about needlecraft.
In 2016, she moved upstate to the Catskill mountains and founded her business ‘Handa’ where she currently deals handmade textiles and objects from all over the world, beginning with the work of the village she grew up in. She also offers a small range of knitting patterns that she designs in partnership with local farms/yarn producers as well as co-running a small handmade furniture business with her husband Brian Persico in the historic village of Oak Hill.
itinerary
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Arrive in Edinburgh. Free afternoon to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Group meet + greet and trip orientation at our accommodation.
Welcome dinner at a favorite restaurant in town.
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Group breakfast at our accommodation.
Make our way via road from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, stopping at favorite landmarks en route. Group lunch and dinner.
At 7:30pm, catch the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Shetland.
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Early morning arrival on Shetland. Head to the Westings Hotel to settle in.
Head to the Croft Museum to learn about the history of the island.
Afterwards, spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying scening St Ninnian’s beach. Here you can take a cold plunge and enter the rustic sauna, hike the neighboring hill, or simply enjoy a book or knitting project on the beach.
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Head to the Shetland Museum for a Skekler straw hat weaving workshop led by Eve Eunson.
In the afternoon, enjoy a casual community gathering to meet the members of the Shetland Straw Society to learn about their preservation work.
Optional evening outing to the local pub for a night of music.
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Return to the Shetland Museum to begin weaving Shetland-style straw kishie baskets.
Group lunch.
Afternoon visit to a seal and otter sanctuary.
Group dinner.
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Return to the Shetland Museum to continue weaving Shetland-style straw baskets.
Group lunch.
In the afternoon, optional visit to Sumburgh on the southern part of the island. Here, we’ll visit Jarlshof, an intriguing site with literally layers of history laid on top of one another from Neolithic age through to the Vikings as each era re-purposed this village.
In Sumburgh, we may also be lucky enough to see the seasonal puffin visit!
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Return to the Shetland Museum to continue weaving Shetland-style straw baskets.
Group lunch.
Afternoon visit to the Esha Ness cliffs for a 2 hour walk along the high cliff tops riven with geos and sink holes. A rugged, grand place.
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Return to the Shetland Museum to finish weaving Shetland-style straw baskets.
Group lunch.
In the evening, ferry to Mussa for a midnight viewing of the well-preserved broch.
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Spend the day making Skekler outfits.
In the evening, join the Shetland community for a midsummer celebration on the beach. Here we’ll wear our guising costumes and dance to the fiddle on the beach to celebrate the longest day of the year in this northern region.
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Morning to enjoy final scenic Shetland settings.
Make our way to the ferry station for overnight ferry back to Aberdeen.
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Arrive to Aberdeen in the early morning.
Group goodbyes, and private transportation onward to Edinburgh.
TRIP DETAILS
GROUP
This trip is limited to 11 guests, who will accompanied by Thread Caravan founder Caitlin Garcia-Ahern and co-hosts Hannah Haworth.
PRICING + PAYMENT
A $2,050usd non-refundable deposit is required in order to reserve your space on the trip. The remaining payment is due at least 2 months prior to the trip start date.
Pricing is tiered based on accommodation type. Please see explanations of accommodation options below.
Scholarships are not available for this trip, but we encourage guests to apply for third-part grants when able. We are happy to create a letter of participation to support in grant funding.
ACCOMMODATION
During this trip we will stay at a mix of accommodations. We’ll spend 1 night at a hotel in Edinburgh, 7 nights at our hotel on mainland Shetland, and two nights in cabins on the Northlink Ferry.
Trip pricing is based on accommodation type, with the following options available:
Private Room: (and bathroom) for entire duration of trip - $7,600usd
Shared Room: with shared bed - $6,200usd
IMPORTANT NOTES
Experience Level: This trip is open to guests of all experience levels, including beginners. Working with willow can be hard on the hands, so please plan to bring lotion or balm.
Weather: In June in Shetland, we can expect long days of sunlight (approximately 19 hours!).
Scotland’s weather this time of year can change instantly, and its likely that we will experience a range of weather conditions during our trip: sun, rain and high winds. This contributes to both the adventure of the trip, and to the beauty of Scotland’s rugged nature.
As many of our extra activities will be outdoors, we ask that guests be prepared for these conditions by bringing appropriate attire.Mobility: During this trip, activities include leisurely hiking. Please let us know prior to booking if you have limited mobility or will require special assistance.
Extra Time in Scotland: This trip will have guests returning to Aberdeen in the morning or Edinburgh in the late afternoon of our last day together. If you are leaving from Edinburgh, please book an evening flight.
VISA: Please remember to check visa requirements from your respective home countries before reserving a space on this trip.
Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 3 months validity at time of entry as well as at least one empty page.
Trip Preparation: We will send a trip preparation packet to you one month before the trip. It will include an exact itinerary, a suggested pack list, useful country information and more.
COST INCLUDES
Basket Supplies: We will provide oat straw and all other materials needed for the craft portion of this trip.
In-Country Transportation: During this trip we will be taking a mix of transportation including local private shuttles and a ferry.
Most Meals: Most meals are included and will offer unique dining experiences whenever possible. In some rural locations, food options are limited.
Accommodation: More details in the previous “Accommodation” section.
Support: Two Thread Caravan trip facilitators will guide this experience in partnership with our local guide and local artisan hosts. Our team will be available in the months leading up to the trip to help you prepare.
Carbon Emissions Offset: We plant trees on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Airport transfer upon arrival: We ask guests to make their way to our hotel in Edinburgh upon arrival. On trip departure day, we will take guests to Aberdeen or Edinburgh.
Arrival/Departure Airfare/Trainfare: Arrival to the Edinburgh airport or train station. Departure from Aberdeen or Edinburgh.
Personal Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is required for this trip. Please find an insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations. If this is your first time buying travel insurance, we recommend Allianz or World Nomads.
Extra Excursions: Our itinerary includes scheduled activities to fill each day. However, should guests choose to venture on their own, they will be responsible for incurred expenses.
Personal Expenses: Shopping, medicine, snacks, etc.
Alcoholic Drinks: Thread Caravan does not cover the cost of alcoholic beverages except when noted in the itinerary.
GETTING TO/From Scotland
This trip starts and ends in Edinburgh. We ask that guests arrive to Edinburgh by 5pm on the trip start day.
On the trip end day we will be driving guests to both Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Please plan your departure or continued travels from either of these two places. As we will be arriving to Edinburgh in the afternoon, we suggest booking an evening flight (5pm or later), or staying a night in either city before departure or continued travel.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about arrival or departure logistics.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US.
register here
*Thread Caravan plants trees to restore ecosystems and offset carbon emissions on behalf of each guest who travels with us.
Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable, and is required to reserve your space on this trip.
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Please also note that if you are booking a shared room for this trip, you will be sharing a bed. Therefore, if booking a shared room it must be with someone that you know.
Thread Caravan provides fully-funded artists residencies to our community of indigenous artisan collaborators, as part of our artisan exchange program. To date, we’ve been proud to host Gujarati turban weaver Shamji Vishram Vankar in Oaxaca, as well as Zapotec Oaxacan sisters and weavers Silvia and Dahlia Gutiérrez on our weaving retreat Guatemala. In June 2024 we will host potter Macrina Mateo Martinez from Tlapazola, Oaxaca on our pottery retreat in the Rif mountains of Morocco.
Should our community be interested in contributing to these efforts, there is the option to pay it forward when making a trip reservation. These financial contributions will be used exclusivity towards our artisan exchange program.
Learn more about this program here.