Crafts

Getting Creative

Arran’s creativity knows no bounds, and local artisans can be found crafting in most villages. The talents and skills that are demonstrated are worthy of great appreciation. Look out for knitting, jewellery, felting, sculptures from fused glass, and ceramics, just to mention a few!

Many of the craft community use locally foraged and sourced materials to support them in their art. Examples include using wild flowers and plants to dye wools and felts, or using some of the Shiskine alpaca or sheep wool to spin, and then knit into fine scarves or tunics. Another example may be using driftwood or seaglass from the beaches to create sculptures and pictures reflecting their source.

Whiting Bay has a great centre for all things crafty in Bay Wool & Crafts, where you can purchase supplies as well as finished articles by talented local artisans. There are also many smaller outlets around the island, so you might find hand-knits in a paper shop, felted toys made locally and sold at Brodick Castle, glass pictures in the village shop, or beautiful scarves at the Old Byre – never be surprised at the skills and talent which Arran evokes!

Arran inspires us all to be creative – maybe our island will inspire you too.