On Monday 19th June, Raasay Primary and Nursery pupils visited Lochcarron Weavers and the Smithy Heritage Centre. On our way, we stopped at the Kyle Co-op to buy some additional picnic goodies for the day ahead. Joy who runs the Weaving shop organised a presentation explaining the processes involved in weaving, followed by a visit to the old loom, housed at the back of the shop. The children also learned about the work of Lochcarron Weavers and the variety of tartans that they produce and their visit was rounded off with a DVD explaining in depth the processes involved. Joy kindly arranged for all the pupils to receive a pack which included a swatch of tartan associated with their surname and some other goodies. Our visit to the Weavers was followed by lunch in a treehouse situated in the grounds of the Heritage Smithy Centre. The treehouse was very posh indeed – it included a stove, tea and coffee and an outside veranda overlooking the river. After a hearty lunch in beautiful surroundings, we visited Kim at the Lochcarron Pottery who demonstrated the skills involved in making pots, vases, jugs and cups. Some of our pupils were so inspired that they are keen to return to try their hand at it themselves during the summer. We ended the day by visiting Terry the Woodturner who produced a beautiful vase on the lathe from a rough block of wood in front of our eyes! The vase now has pride of place in our classroom with some flowers from our garden. All the children had the opportunity to buy something to remember the day. On the way home we took the opportunity to stop at the MUGA playpark at Broadford Primary to try out the new equipment there. The pupils returned to Raasay full of new experiences to share with their families.