Scottish Arts & Crafts In Edinburgh's Leith

The Best Places To See Leith's Local Artists, Crafters And Designers.

Having been lucky to have lived in Edinburgh for over ten years I've seen the growth of a wonderful arts and crafts community.

Now based on the West Coast, since starting this blog I've been getting all sorts of lovely Facebook traffic about up and coming events around Central Scotland, but held off venturing east due to (slightly sheepish admission) February fear of typical howling gales resulting in bad hair, etc.

Then - stop press - the Facebook feed reminded me about a pop up shop being held by the lovely makers at Coburg House Art Studios in Edinburgh. Sounds too good to miss. So I am (fair weather depending) heading over this weekend to check it out.

As I love a schedule, it seemed only sensible to make a to-do list of what else is up and coming, and where I'm hoping to visit.

Whats On And Where To Go

Leith seems to be a bit of a mecca for artists and makers. Maybe it takes its inspiration from its slightly grungy but charming cobbled streets and iconic old buildings, steeped in maritime history. 

The aforementioned Coburg House, set in a converted granary off Coburg Street, houses several floors of studios and workshops, crammed with artists and makers. Formerly only open for a bi-annual "open studios", happily they now have an on-site shop, open at weekends, and regular displays of their artwork. They are also running a pop-up shop in the Old Custom House Post Office during February 2019, and - in an update to this blog - you can read about my visit to the shop here!

A new venue for me is Custom Lane Design Centre, also down near the Shore at Customs Wharf, which comprises of a "cafe, shop, gallery, workshop and event space", and allegedly the best coffee in Leith. One more box firmly ticked then.

Next on my list, off Leith Walk on Dalmeny Street is the Out Of The Blue Drill Hall. This "A" Listed former barracks is now home to an arts and cultural centre, with workshops, exhibition space and a great cafe, and a regular calendar of events. Coming up, with dates so far in February and May 2019 is their Makers Marque, with over forty artisan makers' stalls, workshops and demonstrations, all in one place. Definitely a reason for a return visit.

Looking For Something To Eat?

Leith Markets is part of the trio of markets which take place every weekend (the other two are in Stockbridge and The Grassmarket - more to follow!). Between them they present a mix of art and crafts and divine locally produced food to sample. The Leith Market is on Dock Place on Saturdays from 10am - 5pm.

The Pitt - billed as "Edinburgh's pioneering street food venue" is a new street food concept which has just started a weekly market (mainly Saturdays) at its indoor/outdoor venue on Pitt Street. New to me, but if the food is as good as it looks on their Facebook page, I'm there. 

Getting Around
Edinburgh has a great network of buses running from north to south across the city centre. A network map (with journey planner) can be found here. For those wanting to to stretch their legs, part of the the Water of Leith Walkway runs down to Leith from the centre of town, and is a lovely leafy stroll along the river. Details and a map can be found here.

PS: Want to read more? Click here to return to the main blog and hit "Subscribe" to register for updates. Find a list of all my posts about Edinburgh here. Before you go, let me know what you think in the "Comments" box below.

PPS: As an aside ....this (at the top) is the view from my little flat in Edinburgh. Locals will recognise it as being one of the most iconic views in Edinburgh, looking right out over the Firth of Forth to Fife. Lucky me.

Credit To:
Walk Highlands, Lothian Buses