Sweno Stone

The Picts were inhabitants of Scotland at least 4000 years ago but we know very little about them .Most of the information comes from their marks on rocks and place names.The older marks were cup and ring forms some dated to 2000 B.C.The Sweno stone shown here was carved around 800A.D.It stands close to the village of Forres in the North and is most impressive.

Steps in Canada

This delightful set of steps was built by Canadian Leigh Bamford.

To view more of her work visit http://www.stoneangels.ca/

Doon Fort

This spectacular pre Christian fortification in Ireland has survived almost intact .It was visited by Scottish dry stone waller Robert Thomson who sent the photos. For other information about the traditional techniques contact Robert at mkb@thomsonm.freeserve.co.uk

Spanish style

This photo was taken by the fine Canadian film maker Bill Stone in Mallorca.It shows how there are different methods of dealing with dry stone in addition to the traditional coursed system often used here in the UK .Round the mediterranean region the problem with durability is the threat of flash flooding.In order to cope with these occasional events the builders leave spaces between the rocks and avoid horizontal bedding which would create lines of weakness with the sudden pressure of water building up behind the retaining wall.

Not all hard work

After moving a massive boulder into place by hand ,the workers deserve a picnic.Olives ,salad ,cold meat,banana cake and a hearty drink.That is the life.

Maine U.S.A.

This unusual and attractive feature was built by Chris Tanguay .Such inspired work shows how the traditional techniques of dry stone walling can be adapted to blend with contemporary design in parks and gardens to create a truly restful space in our busy world.
For more information contact Chris mainedrystone@yahoo.com