The ancient art of coopering is a heritage craft that refers to the production and restoration of wooden barrels, bound by hoops. In Scotland the tradition dates back centuries, tracing its origins to over 5,000 years ago when the barrels were first used to hold flour, gunpowder, and other commodities.
Over the years, the kegs also served as shipping containers and stored liquids, from wine and beer to milk. Today, coopering is an integral part of the alcohol industry, and little has changed in the way coopers work. They still use many of the traditional techniques to produce and repair wooden casks, which are