Items created by craft makers in the north and north-east will feature in an industry showcase taking place in Edinburgh during the city’s famous festivals in August.
Work by Shetland-based Fair Isle knitting specialists BAKKA, will be on display and sale at the Craft Scotland Summer Show, along with knitwear from the Hilary Grant studio, in Orkney, as well as willow, wood and felt products, made by Naturally Useful, of Forres, in Moray.
Also among the 37 craft “makers” taking part will be Aberdeen printed-textile designer Helen Ruth Scarves.
Organised by national agency Craft Scotland, the show, now in its fifth year, has established itself as one of the industry’s major annual events.
Occupying the entire second floor of the White Stuff clothing shop on Edinburgh’s George Street, it will run from August 3-26, while the city’s international and fringe festivals are in full swing. The organisers expect to attract more than 5,000 visitors.
Summer show participants are selected by a “knowledgeable panel of insiders,” which this year comprised Rosamund West, editor-in-chief of Scottish cultural and listings magazine, The Skinny; Lewis Smith, sales and retail manager at Dundee Contemporary Arts; and Craft Scotland project assistant Allyson Gee.
Craft Scotland director Fiona Logue welcomed the inclusion of makers from across Scotland.
Ms Logue said: “We’re thrilled to be able to showcase so many stunning items at this year’s show. The wealth of talent in Scotland is enormous so to be able to feature exquisite jewellery, beautiful limited edition items of clothing, sought-after ceramics and imaginative homewares is testament to the growing global demand for Scottish contemporary craft.
“For visitors it’s the perfect opportunity to take home a genuine and unique made in Scotland quality souvenir. With makers from all across Scotland of different disciplines, processes and sources of inspiration there is no better way to get a whistle-stop tour of Scottish craft all under one roof.”
As well as displays of craft products, the show will feature a number of workshops throughout the month, including purse making, spoon carving, ceramic illustration and mosaic creation.
According to Craft Scotland, the industry contributes over £70 million to the Scottish economy from an estimated 3,350 makers.
