Adult Workshop: Willow Basket Making
Sat 22 and Sun 23 August, 10:30 - 16:30
National Museum of Rural Life
Prices from £95
About Adult Workshop: Willow Basket Making
Choose from two full-day basket making workshops at the National Museum of Rural Life.
Each workshop led by willow artist and forager Max Johnson features a different style of basket to make and take home. In the Saturday workshop make a traditional berry picking basket. In the Sunday workshop, make a beautiful Zarzo flower gathering basket.
Both workshops are suitable for beginners and intermediate weavers. Using materials and equipment provided, you will learn and practise willow weaving techniques that have been used throughout Europe for hundreds of years.
Berry Picking Basket
Date: Sat 22 Aug 2026
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
This workshop is the ideal introduction to weaving round baskets. You will learn how to weave a round base, as well as techniques of waling, French randing, trac borders and simple pegged handles.
Zarzo Flower Gathering Basket
Date: Sun 23 Aug 2026
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
An unusual style of basket, these were originally Spanish cheese-straining baskets that have since been adapted. Although they look complicated, they are beginner friendly and are a lovely, meditative object to make.
Good to know
- These workshops will take place at the National Museum of Rural Life.
- All materials and equipment will be provided.
- The workshops will run 10:30–16:30 with a one-hour break for lunch. Lunch is not provided; however, you are welcome to visit the museum cafe or bring a packed lunch to eat in the lunchroom or outdoors.
- Water, tea and coffee will be provided at the start of the workshop.
- Suitable for age 18+.
- All tickets include museum admission on the day.
Image gallery
A berry picking basket.
A Zarzo flower gathering basket.
Pricing information
Ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price |
| Annual Pass Holder | £95 |
| National Museums Scotland Member | £95 |
| National Trust for Scotland Member | £95 |
| Adults | £100 |
| Over 65 | £95 |
| Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot | £95 |
Terms and conditions
National Museums Scotland have a non-refundable and non-transferable ticketing policy.
Accessibility and facilities
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
How to get to the space
You can get to the Learning Centre by taking the stairs or lift on the left of the ticket desk down to the ground floor. Go past the lockers and the Learning Centre will be ahead of you on the right.
The doors to the Learning Centre are not automatic and cannot be opened by a push pad. You can open them by pulling towards you.
Wheelchair access
There is significant space to use a wheelchair in the Learning Centre.
Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge whilst visiting the museum. They cannot be booked in advance. Please ask about availability at the information desks on arrival.
Seating
There is no fixed seating in the Learning Centre.
Hearing induction loop
There is no induction loop in the Learning Centre.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
The nearest toilets are next to the lift to the first floor.
There are both standard and accessible toilets. The accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are across from the lockers.
A baby changing table is located in the accessible toilet.
There is also a parent and baby room next to the accessible toilet. This room has a baby changing table.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Rural Life.
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