Crafts on Skye
Edinbane Pottery, on A850, 13km (8 miles) east of Dunvegan (tel. 01470/582-234; www.edinbane-pottery.co.uk), celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2007. The three artists working in this studio produce wood-fired stoneware and salt-glazed pottery, and they can fill custom orders in a wide range of finishes.
Artist Tom Mackenzie's etchings, prints, aquatints, and greeting cards are all inspired by the scenery and day-to-day life of the island. You can find his work at Skye Original Prints at Portree, 1 Wentworth St. (tel. 01478/612-544).
Since 1974, Stewart John Wilson has been designing and producing silver and gold jewelry, ceramic tiles, chessboards, platters, and clocks, all featuring intricate Celtic patterns. You can see his work at Skye Silver, in the Old School, on Glendale Road (B884), 11km (6 3/4 miles) west of Dunvegan (tel. 01470/511-263; www.skyesilver.com). The selection of tiles is especially vast.
Craft Encounters, in the Post Office building in Broadford (tel. 01471/822-754), showcases many of Skye's talented artists. You'll find pewter jewelry, stained-glass light catchers, salt-dough bric-a-brac, folk and landscape paintings, tartan ties, and handmade jumpers (sweaters). Celtic patterns show up on glassware, tableware, linens, and pieces of marquetry. The island's musical talent is represented in a selection of traditional Scottish music CDs.
Skye Batik, The Green (tel. 01478/613-331; www.skyebatiks.com), is one of the best crafts shops in Scotland. It sells wall hangings and cotton, tweed, wool, and linen clothing hand-printed with Celtic designs from the 6th to the 8th century.
In Harlequin Knitwear, next to the Duisdale Hotel, on Sleat (tel. 01471/833-321), local knitter Chryssy Gibbs designs men's and women's machine-knit Shetland wool sweaters. Her work is bright and colorful.
For more knitwear, go to Ragamuffin, on the pier in Armadale (tel. 01471/844-217), featuring quality Scottish, Irish, and British hand-knits for the whole family, and such accessories as hats, gloves, and scarves.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
