‘Craftscotland is perhaps the perfect exemplar of the economy and information pulses behind Scottish craft policy and activity....In its first breathless year, craftscotland has become a truly dynamic portal...Craftscotland aims to become an audience development agency for the crafts in Scotland, acting with technical sophistication and worldwide reach.  It has the verve of the Australian website craft culture produced by Craft Victoria, with the authority that derives from consensus, independence, and a shared vision.  It has no parallel in England.'
The Cutting Edge exhibition catalogue
A Rightful Place in the Scheme of Things: A History of Craft Resources in Scotland by Simon Olding.

The Scottish Arts Council has developed this website for the crafts in Scotland. The project initially comprised a pilot phase, primarily covering the Highlands & Islands, and in June 2004 the full craftscotland website was extended to cover Scotland as a whole.

The management of the website has been contracted to Scottish marketing and e-business company Parallel 56 (now called conkerhouse).

Craftscotland is a national initiative set up by the Scottish Arts Council to provide a platform for the promotion and development of the Scottish craft sector.

The project has seen the successful creation of craftfocus, an exhibition space showcasing high-quality, innovative work by contemporary Scottish makers. Acting as a spectacular, evolving online gallery, the craftfocus team has also curated exhibitions offline.

Our expansive online maker and venue directory provides a free, updatable website for every member of the Scottish craft community and is an invaluable promotional tool. The craftscotland directory now has over 1,000 members.

Craftscotland also enables the public and the crafts community to discover current crafts news and events and find out about opportunities and training, business advice and support agencies.

Since we began, we have addressed the evolving needs of individuals in the craft industry, heading into a new era within the digital age. In conjunction with conkerhouse, we have assisted many craft organisations, including 3D2D, Dumfries & Galloway Council and Applied Arts Scotland, with advice and information on improving and maintaining their online presences.

Benchmarking research continues to inform our ideas and initiatives for the future. In 2006, craft businesses continued to embrace technology, sought smarter marketing / promotional tools and, crucially, the craftscotland website emerged as a key resource for makers, as our membership grew.

In this, the third year of the project, craftscotland will focus on raising its international profile. We are working to secure exhibitions in national and international exhibition spaces, and to support makers showing abroad.

Since its inception, craftscotland has nurtured international media links, sparking interest from publications including The Guardian, Vogue and Scottish Life - securing necessary editorial coverage for Scottish makers. Craftscotland has also turned to television and film to help with the social & cultural repositioning of craft.

You may also have other questions – please see Frequently Asked Questions.