New tourist trail launched
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An exciting new arts and crafts tourism initiative is being launched covering an area of north west Sutherland and Wester Ross.
Local artists and craftspeople have joined forces to form a new group Assynt and Coigach Creatives (ACC) which is in the throes of establishing an Assynt and Coigach Creative Trail.
The scheme has just taken a major step forward with the production of a Creative Trail leaflet containing a map of the area involved, along with details of the various artists, their work and where it is available.
And the group is now planning to hold ‘open studio’ events over four days from September 10 to 13.
ACC treasurer Sue Jack, who runs Sue Jack Glass Design in Stoer, said local artists met regularly at markets at Lochinver and Elphin as well as elsewhere and had started discussing the idea of a trail.
“We could see that practically every area in Scotland has an art trail or a collective week. This is something that pulls us all together,” she said.
“The area is well know for its wildlife and beaches, but not so well known for its artist and crafts.”
She added: “The leaflet is looking really good and feedback on it has been excellent.”
The trail leaflet features some 28 artists and craftspeople working in a large and roughly circular area stretching from Kylesku in the north to Achiltibuie in the south.
Their work ranges from wood carvings, jewellery, candles, ceramics and pottery to bags, textiles, prints, knitting, felt work, painted pebbles and hand-made gifts.
ACC chairwoman Lesley Muir, a sculptor, ceramicist and designer who runs Summer Isles Studio, said the art and craft work heavily referenced the “flora, fauna, landscape and cultural heritage of the area”.
She said: “The Creative Trail map leaflet is intended to enhance visitor experience in the area, opening eyes to the work of local creative people using local materials such as wood, horn and wool.”
Funding for the Assynt and Coigach Creative Trail initiative was awarded by the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Community Grant Scheme and the project was also supported by grants from Coigach Community Development Company and North West Highlands Geopark.
.ACC is now gathering entries for its Open Studio Days and is planning a single page insert to the leaflet explaining which studios are open and when.
The group would welcome new members and for more information, contact Ms Muir at lesleymuir@gmail.com or Ms Jack at sue.jack@btinternet.com
