Craft Town Scotland

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About Craft Town Scotland

Personal Statement

West Kilbride, Scotland’s only designated craft town, samples the wealth of Scottish and British craft and design talent. This highly rated visitor attraction features 9 studios and the award winning Barony Centre. In this beautifully converted former church, visitors can see innovative exhibitions, choose from a range of exquisitely crafted objects and take part in creative activities. Additionally, they can stroll through our picturesque town, meet makers in their studios and visit the town’s independent retailers, all within easy walking distance of the town centre.

Situated on the rugged Ayrshire coastline overlooking the isle of Arran, West Kilbride, Craft Town Scotland, promotes open studios all year round alongside the recent £1.7m development, The Barony Centre. A community inspired development, the creation of Scotland’s first designated Craft Town has transformed the town centre and helped raised the profile of West Kilbride as a better place to live, work and visit. Our contribution to both the local and national cultural landscape has been recognised by West Kilbride, Craft Town Scotland winning a Year of Creative Scotland, Creative Place Award 2012.

The Barony Centre

We are particularly excited about the launch of our dynamic new £1.7m development, The Barony Centre: Craft Exhibition Education and Events venue which opened its doors to the public in May 2012.

Recently recognised for its stunning design, The Barony Centre was awarded a coveted Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Award 2012. Hosting the very best traditional, contemporary craft, design and cross-art form touring shows from the UK and beyond, The Barony Centre has already established a reputation for attracting a diverse selection of exhibitions to challenge and delight audiences.

Our gallery shop offers visitors a varied selection of original, quality craft and design work. We display giftware made by skilled semi-professional crafters; we also promote the work of professional designer makers, from those recently graduated to those who have established international reputations.

The Barony Centre provides a complementary series of creative activities, with classes for beginners right up to Masterclasses for experienced makers. We work with schools, groups and individuals; we have arranged drop-in classes for toddlers, children and young people and hosted some of the country's most innovative practitioners as resident artists.

Opening

The Barony Centre is open 7 days per week throughout the year: Monday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12noon - 5pm

The Barony Centre Cafe opens Monday to Saturday 10am with last orders at 4pm except Sundays when it opens at 12 noon.

Craft Studios open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4.30pm
Some Studios have extended open days.
For further information visit the Craft Studio Directory: www.crafttownscotland.org
(We recommend you call before travelling specifically to visit the studios).
Craft Town Scotland is a community inspired development and Registered Charity No. SC028481.

Year Established: 1998