Don’t miss this rare west coast opportunity to take an advanced drystone masonry workshop and Level 1 Certification Exams offered in partnership with the Dry Stone Conservancy!

The On the Rocks With The Scots workshop/certification event is geared to stone masons who already have a firm grasp on working with stone and have already been introduced to the techniques involved in drystone masonry.  The pace will be intense and vigorous! 

During the first two days (Wed-Thurs, August 21-22), participants will work with new stone (Idaho Quartzite Sandstone) to build a 4'-0" tall double-faced freestanding fence on top of a projecting foundation course.  Participants will also build a drystone wallhead.  Instruction will be based on the internationally-accepted specifications required to pass Dry Stone Conservancy's Level 1 Professional Certification exams.  Although some stone shaping techniques will be covered, the goal will be to learn how to lay stone with only minimal hammering and chiseling.  

On Friday (August 23), all participants will build their own wallheads.  Those who are not signed up for the Certification exams will receive additional guidance and support from the instructor(s).  However, those who are signed up for the Level 1 Certification Exams will be expected to independently build their own wallheads as they fulfill one of the three Level 1 exam requirements.  Exam candidates will also have Friday to lay out their stone and prepare their sites for the second exam requirement, the timed tests. 

On Saturday (August 24), exam candidates will have 8 hours to build their own section of 4’-0” high double-faced freestanding drystone fence on top of a projecting foundation course.  Every aspect of the build will be scored by the examiner(s), from foundations to copes, from layout and safety to batter and straightness.  Those earning a score of 70% or more will have passed their timed test. 

The third requirement for Level 1 Certification is for candidates to submit photographs of a small retaining wall they have built on their own, using the techniques learned during the workshop.

The 2019 Certification Exam application, requirements and fees are downloadable from the Dry Stone Conservancy’s website at www.drystone.org or by calling the office at 859-266-4807.    

The On the Rocks With The Scots event instructors/examiners are Neil Rippingale and Nick Aitken.  Both are certified Master Craftsmen originally from Scotland who have extensive experience teaching workshops and conducting certification exams.  Neil was the Conservancy’s training program manager from 2001 to 2015 and he continues to work with DSC coordinating its biannual walling competition, providing instructor training services, teaching workshops and leading DSC’s training and restoration projects.  Nick has also worked with DSC teaching workshops, judging walling competitions, examining candidates and mentoring on DSC training and restoration projects.  Both have impressive credentials and portfolios of their built projects.  

Registration for the Workshop is through the Marenakos Rock Center and can be accessed by clicking here.

Registration for the Certifications is through the Dry Stone Conservancy and can be accessed by clicking here.