Little ways to support Scotland’s small businesses and makers from afar
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Scottish businesses to support in 2021
The pandemic has challenged all industries in unique ways and being at stuck at home can make us feel a bit helpless. But there are ways we can support lovely Scottish businesses from afar, while we wait until we can get back out there and enjoy them first-hand again.
We’ve put together a list of little Scottish businesses that might bring some joy into your home this winter. We know they’ll very much appreciate your support during this tough time too.
Paper People
While the COVID pandemic halted business as usual for many companies across the globe, the added time at home due to lockdowns allowed some people to enjoy new pursuits and launch new ventures. One Dundee mum, Jane McCance, is one such success story coming out of the lockdown. Her everyday jewellery brand, Paper People, recently opened its virtual doors for business and is being hailed for delivering affordable, attractive options for women wanting to quickly and effortlessly elevate their style.
It’s no surprise, then, that McCance is no stranger to the jewellery industry. Before having children, she enjoyed a successful career in the jewellery industry by running a high-end brand that retailed in Harvey Nichols and The National Gallery. Her work has been worn by notable figures such as Emeli Sande and Emma Thompson and has been featured in Marie Claire, Woman & Home, Professional Jeweller, and iD Magazine.
With Valentine’s and Mother’s Day coming up, this could be a winner,
Collect 2021
Collect is an International Art Fair for Contemporary Craft and Design, which aims to facilitate sales and commissions from living artists. This year it will include exhibits from Scottish galleries, Dovecot Studios and Gallery TEN. Much of the makers’ work has been handcrafted exclusively for the fair while in lockdown. Hence this year’s edition will be extra special, supporting Scottish artists during this turbulent time.
Artsy.net will be the exclusive host of Collect, which will run from 26th February to 26th March 2021. Each exhibiting gallery will have their own online ‘booth’ to display their artists’ work for sale. From sculpture to jewellery in all different styles, if you’re looking for originality, Collect is the place to be.
www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-art-fair
Gordon Nicolson Kilt Makers
Tailors of the finest handmade kilts sewn by Scotland’s most skilled makers, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers works proudly from the very heart of Edinburgh. They are specialists in creating made-to-measure outfits bespoke to you and offer an exciting and varied range of highlandwear to hire too. Have a browse of their website if a kilt is something you’ve always wanted.
ARRAN Sense of Scotland
Thirty years ago, ARRAN Sense of Scotland were just a small, family soap company. Three decades later, though they’ve grown significantly, they’re still creating vibrant, evocative scents from their Home Farm factory, an old dairy farm for the historic Brodick Castle. They’re also still fiercely proud of their island roots, which influence every single one of their products. Gorse, sea air and woody scents are all staples of this brand, who now have exquisitely-crafted hand, bath & body, fragrance and skincare ranges to their name. Alongside their Hebridean island heritage, their philosophy is to put fragrance first and they truly are masters of the art of perfumery.
Sheila Kerr
Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, penned some of the most famous and enduring love poems in the world. One such favourite, ‘Ae Fond Kiss’, is the inspiration behind Ayrshire jeweller Sheila Kerr’s collection. Look closely and notice that the Celtic-style heart conceals a secret – a hidden heart – within the lines of the pendant. Handcrafted by Sheila Kerr herself, the collection is available in sterling silver or gold. You can browse her other collections on her website. These exquisite pieces are a beautiful way to show someone you love them.
Makar gin from Glasgow Distillery
In 2014 The Glasgow Distillery Company re-opened, becoming the first Single Malt Whisky Distillery in Glasgow for over 100 years. That said, it takes its name from a much older distillery that operated from 1770 until its closure in the 20th century.
As well as reviving the metropolitan Scotch Malt Whisky tradition, Glasgow Distillery have also branched out into gin. The name of their Makar gin derives from the ancient Scots word for a ‘poet’ or ‘maker of verse’, which embodies the craft and attention that their distillery team devote to each and every bottle.
Distilled by hand in small batches within their copper pot still, Annie, Makar Original is a perfectly-balanced juniper-led London Dry style gin of the highest quality. But we also love their Makar Cherry, which was crowned the World’s Best Flavoured Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards. It is flavoured by soaking ripe cherries and a handful of pink peppercorns in Makar Original Dry Gin – before pressing to release maximum flavour. It has a 100% natural flavour and no added colouring and is perfect for experimenting with and creating inventive cocktail recipes at home.
Inverness Coffee Roasting Co
Taken over by Kevin and Heather Donnachie five years ago, the team of seven at Inverness Coffee Roasting Co. is passionate about all-things coffee, especially the craft of teasing out the best in every bean They carefully and ethically source green beans from the high lands of the world, skilfully roasting them in the Highlands of Scotland, show-casing the characteristics of each varietal.
Prior to lockdown, Inverness Coffee Roasting Co. provided a friendly stopping place for coffee lovers, and although the shop is temporarily closed, coffee lovers still have ready access to a full range of roasted coffee beans from around the world (whole or ground to the customers specification) and regular subscription options, through the easy-to-navigate website or by picking up the phone and chatting about your coffee needs. Team Bean personally deliver in and around Inverness (by bike!) and post first class UK-wide.
www.invernesscoffeeroasting.co.uk
We will be updating this page regularly, so please come back another day to see what else Scotland can offer you from the comfort of your homes.
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