Throughout May the Skye and Lochalsh studio trails give everyone the chance to visit the studios of working artists and makers. 

These work spaces are not usually open to the public so it is a rare opportunity to find out the processes involved in creating works of art and to find out what inspires the makers.

Now in its third year, the Studio Trails was started by a dedicated group of professional artists and makers to encourage the public to visit them during a specific period at their workshops and studios.  Participants are chosen through a selection process which maintains high standards of work.

This year there are twenty five studios taking part, twelve in the applied arts including ceramics, glass, textiles, paper, mixed media, bookbinding, furniture and basketmaking.  Glass artist, Kim Bramley, is one of the makers participating.

Accompanying the Trail is an exhibition at An Tuireann in Portree. The exhibition is based on artists at work and the works exhibited are still unfinished. Alongside them are photographs of the artists, processes and working environments taken by a well known local photographer who spent time with the various trail participants to capture something of the essence of their working practice.

For more information visit www.handmadeinskye.co.uk