Workshop FAQs

Our handbag workshop takes place at five Islander locations:

• Canongate, 6 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh, EH8 8FT — 10am–6pm
• 37 Marshall Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9BJ — 10am–6pm
• Arch 10, The Arches, 19 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DH — 11am–6pm
• 120 Market Street, St Andrews, KY16 9PD — 11am–6pm
• 42 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE — 11am–6pm

42 Candlemaker Row is up one flight of stairs. Canongate uses the ground floor and a mezzanine; guests with mobility requirements can be accommodated on the ground floor. The Arches and St Andrews have step-free access. Marshall Street has step-free store access, although the café toilets are downstairs.

The workshop class lasts around 60–90 minutes.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking four weeks in advance.

Please call 0131 453 6160. If you arrive more than ten minutes late, you may not be able to join and we cannot offer a refund for a missed session.

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled session. Requests after that point are not eligible for a refund. Email service@islanderuk.com to cancel.

The minimum age is 12 years old for health and safety reasons.

We cannot accommodate children under 12 or babies in the workshop. Only registered carers may accompany a booked guest without participating. Marshall Street has café seating where friends or family can wait.

Only service animals are permitted inside the workshop.

You construct your bag with specially made screws. All equipment is provided and your Workshop Leader guides you through each stage.

Standard bags use microfibre leather. Mini and Medium Leather Satchels are available in real leather, with a smaller but varied colour selection.

You can upgrade subject to availability. You may downgrade, but the difference is offered as store credit or an additional component rather than a cash refund.

Canongate carries a small selection of Lochcarron tartans. Tweeds and colours rotate regularly, so a specific tartan cannot be guaranteed.

Each person can make one bag per session. Please book another session if you would like to make a second bag.

Completed workshop bags cannot be exchanged or refunded because they have been made to your choices.

Replacement screws are available online. Extra components may be purchased during the workshop, subject to availability and staff discretion.

All workshop locations offer the listed bag types in varied colours and tweeds. Canongate also carries additional Lochcarron Tartan lids.

The Medium Backpack, Backpack Satchel and Washbag are popular practical choices for work, travel and everyday use.

Please arrive on time for the start of your class, with a few extra minutes to settle in and browse.

Every workshop has retail space where you can explore and purchase more of the Islander range.

We do not provide parking. Please check local Edinburgh or Fife Council parking information; public transport is recommended.

Facilities are available at Candlemaker Row, Marshall Street and Canongate. St Andrews and The Arches do not have customer toilets.

Email service@islanderuk.com. The inbox is monitored Monday to Friday.