After a great first post from our guest writer Michael Barry from Jewellery of Scotland, we at West Coast Tours wanted to find out more about the West of Scotland’s rich hub of craft and design, and he kindly agreed to enlighten us!
He has compiled another list of amazing artists, designers and makers out on the west coast, so we won’t hold you back, read on to find out more about these wonderful talents.
Mahailia Jewellery Design
Where – Glenbarr, Kintryre Peninsula
Our favourite Mahailia pieces are these rings which feature the outline of a piece of Scottish coast – for example, this Cowal Outline Ring.
Located on the Kintyre Peninsula in the lovely village of Glenbarr, Mahailia Jewellery focuses on unique bespoke designs made to order according to the wishes of the individual customer. The driving force behind their remarkable jewellery is the ethos of sustainability. They take great care to source materials that are environmentally and socially safe. All of their gold, platinum, and silver comes from recycled resources to minimise potential waste and damage to the environment. Most pieces are created by a very small in-house team of designers but all are handmade and absolutely stunning.
Find out more about Mahailia or order a bespoke piece here:
http://www.mahailia.com/ethics/
Dunollie Castle
Where – Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds, Oban, Argyll
Photo Credit: Dunollie Castle, Oban, Scotland by Jan Smith
When you find yourself in or around Oban, Dunollie Castle is a great destination for craft lovers of all ages. In 2014, two very exciting things were added to the castle grounds. The newly opened Loom Room houses a working loom and spinning wheel. Visitors may even get to see some local volunteers at work! Additionally, the Old Draper’s Gift Shop provides a fantastic opportunity to browse wares from local artists and crafters. You can also pick up some items from the castle’s exclusive tartan collections, Heritage MacDougall and Dalriada Tartans.
Learn more here:
http://www.dunollie.org/visiting-dunollie/
Heartfelt by Liz
Where – Dalmally Railway Station, Callander/Oban line, Dalmally, Argyll
The beautiful Dalmally Railway Station – the old ticket office is where you will find Liz.
As well as owning a shop in the old ticket office of a Railway Station – where she sells handmade felt – Liz offers workshops such as “Natural Dyeing and Tapestry Weaving. Perfect if you want to combine you break on the West Coast of Scotland with learning a fantastic new skill!
Liz says: “We do love the gasp of surprise people have when they walk around onto the railway platform and find this little hidden treasure. We are very friendly and sociable and love having people visit!”. What more encouragement is needed?!
Learn more here:
http://www.heartfeltbyliz.com/
Momo Chapeaux
Where – Home Studio, Glenachulish Glen, near Glencoe
MoMo Chapeaux – A small button headpiece covered with leather.
Morag Young is the MoMo of MoMo Chapeaux. She was born in The Outer Hebrides of Scotland and lived on the small Island Of Eriskay with her family until she was 5. She now lives on the West Coast of Scotland where she creates beautiful, unique hats and headpieces.
If any of these talents have caught your eye, remember we at West Coast Tours have bus and boat tours to Iona, Mull and the Treshnish Isles running daily in the summer months, so if you’re in the area make sure to stop by, and say hello to our wonderful craftsmen!
You can also check out the the Jewellery of Scotland blog for interviews with Scottish designers, passion-pieces on Scottish culture, heritage and fashion, and much more.
