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TRADITIONAL CRAFTS IN SCOTLAND

What are traditional crafts in Scotland?  Here is our definition and a selection of crafts being practised in 1994 when the last research was carried out.  Please tell us about any other crafts to add to the list.

What are Traditional Crafts in Scotland?

 

Traditional crafts in Scotland are those which represent skills and trades originally acquired and practised out of necessity. They are a product of functional life with an identifiable style specific to Scotland. Historically they reflect locally available materials and resources and are part of Scottish regional and national cultural identity. They can be traditional through the traditional techniques used and/or the purpose and style of the object created. They can be expressive and innovative. They are sometimes described as folk art, rural craft, indigenous craft and heritage craft.

 

Traditional Crafts in Scotland

 

Textile Crafts - spinning, handloom weaving: tweed (Harris, Borders & Shetland), tartan, damask, hand knitting: Fair Isle, Sanquhar, Kilthose, Eastcoast ganseys, Eriskay ganseys, Shetland knitted lace, Ayrshire needlework, New Pitsligo Bobbin Lace, feltmaking, quilting, traditional clootie rugs, Shetland taatit rugs, highland dress (kiltmaking, sporrans, kilt sockmaking), hornwork, shepherds crook and stick making, golf clubs, shinty stick/caman, curling stones, leathers/balls, Fair Isle chairs, Orkney chairs, Shetland chairs, spinning wheels, traditional boat building, model boats,  Galloway clogs, wood turning - traditional Scottish domestic utensils, basketwork (creels, sculls, kishies), musical instrument makers (highland bagpipe, small pipe, the harp or clarsach, stringed instruments (fiddles, guitarmaking), wooden flutes, Orkney bride’s cogs, staved vessels, barrelmaking (coopering), staved bucketmaking, salt boxes, lettercutting, pottery, silversmithing & jewellery, quaichs, bookbinding,  ironwork, ropework, leatherwork, stonemasonry and tanning sheepskins.

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