Me and my partner (at the Woodland Tannery) produce some of the earliest examples of Scottish drums. After Peter’s extensive research over the last decade, and with support from a variety of Scotland’s folk museums, we have rediscovered the origins of these instruments and their variety of uses. We are currently the only remaining living makers of these drums, having drawn from our research to develop our own unique, yet traditional style of Wecht. 

These ancient Scottish drums, known as ‘Wechts’, would have been used for a variety of purposes – alongside being a musical instrument they functioned as an agricultural tool to winnow grain, process wool (and as a communicating device in times of rebellion and war from as early as the 14th century).

Evidence shows that the earliest Scottish drums would have had an open back, allowing them to be played in a similar way to the Irish Bodhran, which has similar origins. Traditionally they would have been primarily made of sheep, along with deer and goat, which would be widely available to crofters working out on the land.

We can create drums in a variety of these hides, which we have tanned ourselves using traditional methods. We also provide group or 1-1 drum making ceremonies, if you are looking to connect with this ancestral tool and welcome its ancient song into your life.

If you would like to find out more information about the fascinating story of the Wecht, or to enquire about any upcoming drum making workshops ~ please get in touch.