During September I’ve been out and about in Scotland meeting people and introducing them to the new Craft Scotland website. It’s been quite an epic trip covering over 900 miles from Thurso on the tip of Scotland right down into the Borders in Dumfries. It was lovely to meet new people and work with new partners to deliver the events across the Country.

My second Roadshow took me to the Thurso in the far North of Scotland. Caithness Horizon’s had kindly offered to host this Roadshow, in their fabulous building in the centre of Thurso. After a long journey up in my little hire car, taking in the landscape of Scotland on my way, I arrived just in time to stop off at my B&B and set up for the evening’s Roadshow.

The fabulous staff (and I must thank Joan Lawrie and Joanne Howdle particularly here) had set me up in their film screening room, fully equipped with projector screen and wifi connection.
Here I met with another discreet group, with whom I was able to introduce the new craftscotland.org. After a short presentation from me, I was able to take questions and then sit with individuals whilst we tried out the site. Over sandwiches and cake I was able again to discuss one on one with people their online queries and the best way for them to promote themselves.

The event also gave Caithness Horizon’s the opportunity to connect with their local craft community, whose stock they were keen to have in the Museum shop. Joan emailed me after the event ‘You have certainly inspired one of the attendees! Claire was just thinking about starting up but she has now booked a stand at our Christmas Craft market and is taking in items for me to stock in the shop so well done!’

After the presentation and discussions myself and the rest of the group were able to attend Joanne B Karr’s exhibition opening of Paper Wrappers and Herbarium Sheets. It was lovely to have the opportunity to meet Joanne and have her take me round the exhibition.

The exhibition celebrates both the bicentenary of Robert Dick’s birth and the culmination of three years of Joanne’s own work with Caithness Horizon’s. You can read my review of the show on the Northing’s website.

As well as meeting new people it was great to establish a relationship with Caithness Horizon’s and support them in working with Craft Makers. I look forward to working with them in the future, including exploring future craft maker residency opportunities.

You can see a slideshow of images from my Roadshows below.