The Background

The Lammermuir Stick Dressers Society was formed in 1989 at an isolated sheep farm, deep in the Lammermuir Hills, in the South Eastern part of Scotland. Meeting once a week in this lonely area of the Scottish Borders, members used traditional timber and horn to fashion a variety of sticks that were used in the work of herding sheep or for a walk on the moorland of the southern hills of Scotland.

Today this most traditional of crafts is carried out in a fully equipped workshop near the historic village of Athelstaneford, in the County of East Lothian, on Scotland's south eastern coast.

Experienced society members pass on their skills to new and junior members each week and to the public at large at a number of game fairs they attend annually

The Product

Walking sticks and crooks are fashioned by members of the society using traditional methods and natural materials that have not essentially changed for generations. Hazel and blackthorn cuttings are used for the shanks of the sticks with sheep horn or antler points fashioned for the handles. In between the gathering of the raw material and the finished products are many hours of workmanship and care, culminating in prestigious sticks and crooks that are highly prized by country folk and sportsmen alike.

We are always interested in obtaining good quality materials from which to fashion the sticks and would like to hear from individuals or other groups of stick dressers.

Where to See Us

There is no better place to see members of the Lammermuir Stick Dressers Society than at the game fairs and agricultural shows we attend annually. Our members are encouraged to enter competitions at these local events and to bring our traditional skills to the attention of a bigger audience. All proceeds from the sale of the sticks produced by society members are for the society funds. Commissioned pieces are also undertaken by members.

Visit us at the National Countrysports Fair 2007

Visit us at the 12th National Countrysports Fair in the terrific new venue of Moira Demesne, set right at the heart of rural Northern Ireland 26 & 27 May 2006. This will be our seventh visit to this excellent game fair that is has grown over the last number of years to be one of the premier events in the whole of the UK and Ireland. Do call at our stand if you are at the Fair. You will not be disappointed!

As a result of our visits to the National Countrysports Fair we are delighted to announce the setting up of the Irish Stick Makers' Society. For further information on this exciting development simply contact us using the e-mail icon provided on this page.

Our very busy stand at the National Countrysports Fair

Society members at the National Countrysports Fair