A Region Woven with Creativity

The Scottish Borders isn’t just a place of stunning scenery and historic towns—it’s also a region deeply rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. For centuries, the Borders have been at the heart of Scotland’s textile industry, and today that tradition continues through a thriving community of artisans, weavers, potters, knitters, and designers.
If you’re drawn to handmade quality, traditional skills, and contemporary design, the Borders offer a treasure trove of experiences and inspiration.

A Legacy of Wool and Weaving

Craft in the Scottish Borders begins with wool. The region was once a global powerhouse in textile production, particularly in tweed and cashmere. Towns like Hawick, Galashiels, and Selkirk became known for their mills, and many of these still operate today—some producing luxury textiles for the world’s top fashion houses.

• Johnstons of Elgin in Hawick is a standout, offering mill tours where you can see the process from fleece to finished garment. 
  
• Lovat Mill in Hawick 
  
• William Lockie in Hawick 
  
• Hawico in Hawick 
  
• Pringle in Hawick
  
• Lochcarron of Scotland, based in Selkirk, is one of the world’s leading tartan weavers, producing fabric for kilts, scarves, and interiors. 

Visiting these sites gives you a deep appreciation of the skill, precision, and artistry behind every woven piece.

Modern Makers and Artisan Studios

Beyond textiles, the Borders is home to a vibrant and growing community of contemporary makers. In studios tucked away in converted barns or along cobbled lanes, you’ll find:

• Potters shaping beautiful hand-thrown ceramics
  
• Glass artists creating stained glass and fused designs
  
• Woodworkers crafting bespoke furniture or traditional instruments
  
• Printmakers and illustrators producing everything from local maps to wild nature scenes

Many of these craftspeople open their studios to visitors—especially during annual events like the Borders Art Fair or Spring Fling—giving you the chance to meet the makers, learn their stories, and take home something truly one-of-a-kind.

Wool Festivals and Creative Events

One of the most exciting parts of the Borders’ craft culture is how it brings communities together through events. A few highlights include:

• Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick: A museum dedicated to the town’s textile heritage, with exhibitions and workshops.
  
• Yarn festivals and wool gatherings: These events attract knitters, weavers, and spinners from across the UK and beyond.
  
• Open Studios weekends: Local makers open their doors, offering demonstrations, classes, and handmade goods for sale.

These events are not only a great way to support local artisans—they're also rich with inspiration for anyone interested in crafting themselves.

Shops, Galleries, and Craft Collectives

Throughout the Borders, you’ll find independent galleries and craft shops filled with local talent. A few to look out for:

• oneOC Gallery in Hawick: contemporary art gallery with revolving exhibitions including animals, portraits, landscapes, abstracts, pottery, sculpture, photography. 
  
• The Flat Cat Gallery in Lauder: Art, ceramics, and textiles all in one beautifully curated space.
  
• Kinsman-Blake Gallery in Smailholm: Home to contemporary ceramics and landscape-inspired painting.
  
• Ladylaw Studio in Hawick: A shared studio for weavers, printmakers, and designers, often open for tours.

Many shops also stock Borders-made knitwear, from traditional Fair Isle patterns to modern, minimalist styles.

Learn a Craft Yourself

Visitors with a creative itch can also take part in craft workshops. Whether you're interested in learning to spin yarn, throw pottery, dye with natural plants, or create your own tartan, there are classes and one-day courses available throughout the region.
These experiences are perfect for solo travellers, couples, or even families looking for an immersive cultural activity beyond sightseeing.

Why Craft Matters in the Borders

In a world of fast fashion and mass production, the Scottish Borders stands as a beacon of slow, skilled, sustainable creativity. Crafts here are not just hobbies—they are traditions passed down through generations, industries that shaped entire communities, and modern expressions of identity and place.

Visiting the Borders through the lens of craft means connecting with the land, the people, and the story behind every handmade object.