My first contribution to this thread was under the name of Pete but now I have joined Mudcat I will be using my lifelong nickname of Grubby. Thanks Ole Bull for your suggestion re the dehairing of skins. I currently have two ready for preparation and have been putting it off because of the mess and smell. I now look forward to trying your method and report back. I'm with you Alison when you say Guinness is bad for the bodhran. The alcohol in the Guinness drys out the natural oils in the skin at a quicker rate than normal. Besides, the price I pay for a pint of of guinness here in Hobar,t the only place it should be poured is down my throat.

regards Grubby