Local Crafts

Meet the Makers: The Art of the Highlands

There is a rhythm to life in Gairloch that inspires creativity. Here, where the mountains meet the sea, the landscape doesn’t just provide a backdrop—it provides the materials, the colours, and the soul of everything created. For those seeking NC500 accommodation with a true sense of place, The Old Inn serves as a warm, welcoming gateway to the world of Highland crafts.

Our corner of the North West Highlands is home to a vibrant community of artisans, many of whom work from small, independent studios right on our doorstep. These makers carry forward time-honoured traditions, translating the rugged beauty of the Wester Ross coastline into tangible treasures.

A Tapestry of Talent

When you visit us, you aren’t just staying at one of the most storied hotels in Gairloch; you are stepping into a hub of local creativity. The skill on display in our village is truly spectacular, spanning a diverse array of disciplines:

  • Earth & Metal: From hand-thrown ceramics that mirror the hues of the Loch to intricate pewter embossing.
  • Fibre & Thread: Exquisite tapestry and expert sewing that capture the textures of the moorland.
  • Wood & Willow: Hand-carved woodwork that honours the ancient Caledonian forests.
  • Everlasting Florals: Artful floral arranging using high-quality permanent botanicals, capturing the vibrant spirit of the Highland machair in a display that never fades.
Visit Gairloch's thriving Artisan craft workshop community

Experience the Craft

We believe that the best way to appreciate art is to see the passion behind it. We regularly host our Arts and Crafts Fayre right here at the Inn. This is a unique opportunity to not only browse one-of-a-kind pieces but to watch the artists in action, witnessing the steady hand and focused eye required to master their craft. It is the perfect addition to your list of NC500 activities, offering a chance to meet the faces behind the work.

For those planning a visit during the quieter, more atmospheric winter months, we arrange specialist workshops. These intimate sessions allow you to be taught by these master crafters, giving you the skills to create your very own artwork to cherish.

Our Featured Artisans

CLAE Ceramics: Amanda McIntosh

Working from her home studio overlooking the harbour, Amanda produces hand-built, porcelain functional and sculptural pieces. Her clay is enriched with flax paper fibres and fired to 1230°C, ensuring every piece is food-safe and durable. A member of the Craft Potters Association, Amanda’s unique works are held in private collections globally, including a famous commission of 50 porcelain puffins for a Canadian ice hockey team.

Contemporary Fine Art: Jill Holmes

Jill is a multidisciplinary artist working from a studio overlooking the famous Inverewe Gardens. Specialising in embossed pewter embellished with gold leaf and vibrant enamels, her work is deeply inspired by Gaelic folklore and Celtic imagery. A former exhibitor at the Royal Academy Summer Show in London, Jill also creates a unique range of wearable pewter art brooches.

  • Specialism: Embossed pewter, watercolours, and printmaking.
  • Facebook: Jill Holmes Fine Artist

Tapestry Weaving: Sadie Paige

Since moving to Gairloch in 2019, Sadie has explored the properties of colour through small-scale, controlled tapestry weaving. Drawing inspiration from Bauhaus artists like Paul Klee, her sophisticated textile art has earned her a distinction from the Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. She is an active member of the Highland Guild and frequently collaborates with the Gairloch Museum.

  • Specialism: Hand-woven tapestry and textile art.
  • Exhibitions: Featured at Gairloch Museum.

Wester Ross Woodwork: Sandy Boyd

A graduate of the world-renowned Chippendale International School of Furniture, Sandy Boyd operates his workshop on Pier Road. Many of his trademark furniture pieces feature a nautical theme, reflecting Gairloch’s coastal heritage. Whether you are looking for a bespoke commission or expert furniture restoration, Sandy’s craftsmanship is a testament to the quality of Highland timber work.

‘I Love to Sew’: Karen Jones

Based in her sewing room in Badachro, Karen creates individually handcrafted items using authentic Harris Tweed. Her work features intricate machine embroidery and appliqué that reflect the mossy greens and heather purples of the local landscape. Many of her larger items, like tote bags and cushions, are designed to fold flat—making them perfect for guests travelling back to England with limited luggage space.

  • Specialism: Harris Tweed textiles and machine embroidery.
  • Facebook: Karen Jones I Love To Sew

Visual Arts: Lynn Bennett-Mackenzie

Born and raised in the Highlands, Lynn is an established artist who has been living and working in Gairloch since graduating from Gray’s School of Art in 1990. Her work explores the connection between people and place through a variety of media. Lynn is deeply involved in international projects and solo exhibitions, constantly expanding her creative boundaries to reflect her global travels and local roots.

Highland Blooms: Jackie Dee

After a long career in Gairloch’s hospitality industry, Jackie turned her passion for flowers into a thriving business. She creates luxurious and sustainable silk flower arrangements inspired by traditional Scottish wild gardens. These “everlasting” florals are an ideal eco-friendly alternative to cut flowers, allowing you to take a permanent piece of Highland beauty home with you.

  • Specialism: Artisan silk floral design.
  • Facebook: Highland Blooms

Local Flavours & Community

Artisan Spirits & Ale

Experience the “Spirit of the Highlands” through our local producers. Badachro Distillery produces small-batch, foraged gins and whiskies, each hand-labelled and stamped by the distiller. Meanwhile, the Loch Ewe Brewing Company (Ewebrew) crafts traditional real ales on the shores of the Loch. Their unfiltered, naturally conditioned beers are a staple here at the Inn.

The Little Green Shop

Owned by Hannah Cutler, this eco-centric boutique in Gairloch is dedicated to plastic-free, sustainable living. The shop serves as a hub for several local Highland producers, including Gneiss Things, Heart of the Highlands, and The Hebridean Woodwork Company.

The Gairloch Sitooterie

A must-visit during your stay, this award-winning community garden was transformed from overgrown wasteland into a stunning seaside “sit-out” area by local volunteers. It is a breathtaking tribute to the spirit of Gairloch and has been recognized nationally for its “impossible” beauty on the edge of the sea.

Experience the Craft Firsthand

The Old Inn is a hub of the community, and we take great pleasure in showcasing these spectacular artisans.

  • Arts and Crafts Fayres: Periodically, we host events giving you the chance to meet the makers and see them performing their craft in person.
  • Winter Workshops: Throughout the quieter months, we arrange specialist workshops where you can be taught by these master crafters and create your very own Highland artwork to cherish.

Whether you are joining us for a local pint or making the long, scenic journey up from England, we invite you to pull up a chair and discover the creative heart of Gairloch at The Old Inn.