Emma From spoon carving and wildlife photography to natural skincare and sustainable living, Bowhouse has released a calendar of hands-on food and nature-themed events, workshops and tours.
Based on Balcaskie Estate in the East Neuk of Fife, Bowhouse has been developed as a centre for food and drink. Known for its monthly market weekends, it is home to a community of some of Scotland’s best food and drink producers: from brewers and butchers to millers, bakers and fermenters.
Other activities include an ethical Easter egg making class; a wellbeing event that focuses on gut health and herbal remedies; wooden spoon carving sessions; wildlife photography classes; and a sustainable living event that reveals the secrets of natural cleaning and skincare.
Katrina Gilmour, Bowhouse Co-ordinator says:
“I’ve really enjoyed curating this calendar of events with a focus on our ethos of sustainability, supporting local business and caring for natural habitats.We aspire to be a hub of knowledge and information on our food, drink and environment. I hope these interactive events and educational sessions will inspire creativity and promote the important work we are doing on Balcaskie Estate.”
The 2024 event series comprises:
Gut Health: Wellbeing Day
Saturday 10th February
SOLD OUT (waitlist available)
The morning class will be hosted by Rosy Rose, a qualified herbalist who will focus on herbs that support the gut and digestion, with some herb tasting, remedy making and a 5-herb tool kit to support gut health with simple remedies. The session includes an insight into the gut microbiome, probiotics, prebiotics and fermented foods and herbs.
Tickets include a delicious and microbiome-boosting lunch from Baern Café and Bakery which focuses on local ingredients from Balcaskie Estate.
For the afternoon session guests will be joined by Angrykulture, hosting a hands-on workshop to create kimchi in a specially sealed jar for future fermentation experiments.
Ethical Chocolate Easter Egg Making with Chocolatia
Friday 22nd March
£70.00
Chocolatia creates multi-award-winning handcrafted chocolates using only the finest and freshest ingredients. In this class, guests will use organic B-Corp certified ethical chocolate to learn how to temper, make and decorate an Easter egg, complete with fun fillings. Participants will leave with their own decorated and filled Easter egg wrapped up in beautiful packaging. Vegan options are available.
Willow Weaving with Rachel Kirk
Saturday 23rd March
SOLD OUT (waitlist available)
Rachel uses willow to weave handmade, eco-friendly sustainable items for the home and garden. In this workshop, you will spend the afternoon learning how to weave a small garlic basket. This event is the perfect introduction to basketry techniques and practices with step-by-step instructions.
All materials and tools will be provided.
Wildlife Photography with Chris Reekie
Thursday 28th March
£125.00
This class makes the most of the many photogenic opportunities and subjects around Balcaskie Estate and the coastline of the East Neuk. This is likely to include many bird species, hare and roe deer, as well as spontaneous sightings of squirrels, foxes and other unexpected guests.
Spoon Carving with Louise Forbes
Saturday 20th April
£70.00
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE (July, October)
Join a spoon carving workshop with a small group of individuals who have a passion for crafting. A lovely chatter-filled day out that will leave guests with their own hand-carved spoon. Lunch and a drink from Baern Café and Bakery are included within this.
Sustainable Living: Natural Cleaning & Skincare with Emma Rawson
Saturday 27th April
From £45.00
This class explores how to make different cleaning and skincare products containing natural, plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. Guests are taken through the benefits of each ingredient and will go home with products and recipe cards. Course tutor, Emma, can also offer suggestions for ways to adapt ingredients to suit skin types.
There are two workshop options:
Natural Cleaning – 10am until 12pm
Botanical Skincare – 1pm until 3pm
Each event is priced individually, booking fees apply and can be booked via the Bowhouse Events Calendar. Spaces are very limited and advanced booking is essential.
Find out more about Bowhouse at bowhousefife.com
Travel Information:
Train stations at Kirkcaldy and Leuchars are stops on the main East Coast Mainline with regular services to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Stagecoach bus services 95 (Leven–St Andrews) and X60 (Edinburgh–St Andrews) stop nearby. The popular seaside holiday town of Elie is under two miles away and a popular walk or cycle ride along the Fife Coastal Path.
