Workshop FAQs
Islander Workshop Experience FAQs
Where does the workshop take place?
Our handbag workshop takes place in four of our locations, and we do also have one location that is for walk-ins only.
- 42 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE (open 11am to 6pm)
- 37 Marshall Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9BJ (open 10am to 6.30pm)
- 120 Market Street, St Andrews, KY16 9PD (open 11am to 6pm)
- Arch 10, The Arches, 19 East Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DH (open 11am to 6pm)
- 54 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE (walk-ins only, open 11am to 6pm)
Is the workshop on the ground floor?
Our Candlemaker Row workshop is up one flight of stairs.
There are no stairs at The Arches or our St Andrews store. There are no stairs to enter the store on Marshall Street, however the cafe toilets in store are down a flight of stairs.
How long does the workshop last for?
The workshop class will last for around 60 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance?
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking in advance as we may not be able to accept walk-ins.
I am running late, what do I do?
Don't worry, you can phone us to let us know on 0131 453 6160. If you are more than 15 minutes late we may need to reschedule your session. Please note we cannot offer refunds if you are unable to attend.
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your booking, we require 48 hours notice prior to your session, let us know on service@islanderuk.com. If you are within this 48 hour period, we would be happy to reschedule or provide you with a workshop e-gift card to re-book at your convenience.
Is there an age restriction?
The minimum age is 12 years old.
Can I bring my children with me?
Due to health and safety, we cannot accommodate young children in our workshop.
Can I bring anyone else with me?
Only registered carers are allowed to accompany individuals booked into the workshop. Any additional members to your party will have to pay for a session.
Our Marshall Street location has cafe seating in the same room, where friends/family may wait for you to finish you class, if they do not want to take part.
Is the workshop dog friendly?
As much as we love our furry friends, only service animals are permitted inside.
How are the handbags made?
In your session you will construct your bag with specially made screws, all equipment and instructions are provided. You will be talked through the process step by step by your Workshop Leader.
Are the bags made with real leather?
Our standard bags are not, they are made with microfibre leather. However, new for March 2025, you can make a Mini or Medium Leather Satchel, made with real leather.
Please note, there is a slightly larger selection of colours available in the microfibre leather, but there is still a good selection of neutral and colourful options in the real leather,
I am booked in to make the small satchel, can I upgrade to the larger size?
Yes! You can upgrade on the day - subject to availability.
Can I downgrade to a smaller size?
Yes, you can downgrade to a smaller size. However we cannot issue a refund for the price difference, instead we can offer you credit for in store purchases or an extra component to take home.
Do you have clan specific tartans?
Unfortunately, we do not stock any clan specific tartans. We do offer an array of different tweeds, but we cannot promise any specific tartans will be available on the day as we rotate colours often.
Can I make more than one bag in my session?
You can only make one bag per person, per session. If you would like to make another bag, please book in for a new session.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive 10 minutes before your class start time to ensure you are ready and seated for class beginning.
I want to browse the rest of the range, where can I do this?
We have retail space at all of our workshops where you can purchase other items in our range.
I recently went to the Islander Handbag Workshop and I want to exchange the bag I made, is that possible?
Once you have completed your experience and created your bag, you cannot exchange the bag or request a refund.
Need replacement screws?
Click here to order more.
Can I buy extra parts of the bag?
Extra components are available to purchase during the workshop to take home should you wish to switch up your bag.
Is there parking?
No, please check Edinburgh City Councils website or Fife Councils website for parking restrictions, we would recommend taking public transport.
Can I see photos of the different workshop bags?
Mini Satchel
Medium Satchel
Mini Barrel Satchel
Medium Backpack - Fits an iPad
Backpack Satchel - Fits a laptop
Washbag
Leather Mini Satchel
Leather Medium Satchel
What size are the bags?
- Mini Satchel L:20.5cm H:14cm W:9cm
- Mini Barrel - L:20cm H: 12cm W:12cm
- Medium Backpack - L:25cm H:24cm W:9cm
- Medium Satchel - L:24cm H:16cm W:7cm
- Backpack Satchel - L:28cm W:11cm H:37cm
- Washbag - L:22cm W:10.5cm H:10.5cm
Do you offer more masculine bags?
If you are looking to make something a little different instead of our classic Satchels, we recommend the Medium Backpack or the Backpack Satchel - a perfect bag for work or travel! The Washbag is also popular and perfect for storing your toiletries.
Do all of the locations offer the same selection of bags?
Yes, all of our workshop locations offer all of the bag types available above in a variety of different colours and tweeds. All of our workshops also have a selection of pre-made bags and other retail items available for purchase, and some workshops have a bigger selection than others, but all the workshop items are the same.
My question isn't on here, can I get in contact?
If you have any further queries, email us at service@islanderuk.com, please note this email is only monitored Monday-Friday.