What does Scottish heritage look like today?
For us, it's the makers, creatives, artists and women who draw from the places they come from, the traditions they grew up with and the experiences that have shaped them, while making something entirely their own.
Meet the Islanders is a series celebrating seven Scottish women, each with a story, a craft and a distinct way of seeing the world.
From artists and makers to creatives with roots stretching across Scotland and beyond, we’re stepping into their worlds to discover what inspires them, what Scottish life means to them and how heritage finds its way into what they do.
Stories Woven Through Scotland
For Victoria, heritage is more than something to preserve. It is something to live with, reinterpret and carry forward. From her Argentinian roots and life in Edinburgh to the stories, textures and traditions that inspire her work, she finds meaning in the details that connect the past with the present.
We spoke to Victoria about her creative journey, her love of Scottish heritage and the stories behind the spaces and patterns she creates.
“I want the story to be at the heart of everything.”
For me, heritage can take many forms. It can mean honouring the provenance and patina of an object, but it can also be something deeply personal — a quilt passed down through generations, a childhood book you still remember, or a place that has stayed with you.
Storytelling anchors my approach to design. I’m interested in finding those stories and keeping them at the heart of the project.
"There’s a quietness to the love of Scotland"
For Tara, kilt making is a way of keeping Scottish heritage alive through craftsmanship. Based in Edinburgh, her work brings together her background in fashion, her connection to Scottish culture and the traditional skills she has developed as a kilt maker. With every pleat and stitch requiring patience and precision, Tara sees the kilt as more than a garment. It is a piece of Scottish history that can be reinterpreted, worn and carried forward into modern life.
“If I’m not working on my Craft then I’m off on an adventure.”
For Sally, freedom is about embracing adventure, creativity and the ability to make a home wherever she goes. From her life in a self-built van to her love of fungi, ecology, Scottish culture and the arts, she finds inspiration in the places she visits and the communities she discovers along the way.
We spoke to Sally about her nomadic lifestyle, her creative work, her love of Scotland and the whimsical, colourful style that reflects her personality. From ceilidh dancing and foraging to her love of natural materials and Harris Tweed, Sally shares how living differently has shaped the way she sees home, community and individuality.
Meet the People Who Inspire Us
What does Scotland mean to the people who call it home, or return to it time and time again?
We spoke to three Islanders with very different stories, discovering the places, traditions, creative passions and personal styles that shape who they are. From heritage and craftsmanship to nomadic living, community and self-expression, their stories offer a glimpse into the many ways Scotland can inspire a life lived on your own terms.
There’s plenty more to discover. Head to our blog to read each full interview and meet the Islanders in their own words.
