Out & About

Central Scotland Smallholders' Association

Visit to Sheardrum, April 2009, courtesy of Ali Hibbert and Clare Hebbert

CSSA members were treated to a tour of Sheardrum, home to Ali Hibbert and Clare Hebbert, who are both Association members. Sheardrum is near Saline, Fife and extends to 7 acres, with a lovely farmhouse and a steading that is under significant development.

Clare and Ali are planning to use the steading buildings to run courses in spinning, weaving and other country crafts. Clare is interested in textiles and Ali works with wood. The upper floor of one of the barns was close to completion and the group enjoyed seeing how the work had been carried out as well as the "finished article".

Ali was able to show us the wood cutting equipment that they have used during the renovations and to explain how the green oak barn was constructed. The steading has a water wheel, which hopefully will be brought back into use in the future.

The new vegetable garden is under construction and looks very well designed and attractive. Clare and Ali have also planted some fruit trees.

We then moved out into the fields to see the small fold of Highland cattle and the flock of Shetland sheep. Everyone was delighted with the three calves, even if the mums looked a bit intimidating! However, Clare was happy to show that they were big softies, really.

Finally, we retired to the kitchen for refreshments including some yummy home baking.

Thanks again to Clare and Ali for stepping into the breach and hosting a very interesting visit.

Copyright © 2008 Central Scotland Smallholders' Association