Makers of Edinburgh: Conversations with Local Craftspeople

Edinburgh has always been a city of makers. From stoneworkers shaping the Old Town to the weavers and metalworkers who supplied its trade, the city’s creative identity is rooted in craft. Today, that heritage continues — not as nostalgia, but as living practice.

Across Edinburgh you’ll find studios, workshops, and collectives where modern makers experiment with wood, clay, textiles, and metal. They’re not bound by tradition, but they respect it. Each cut, weave, or cast is informed by knowledge that stretches back generations.

At Ash & Grain, we see ourselves as part of this landscape. Our own work — balancing CNC precision with hand finishing — echoes the city’s spirit of heritage and innovation. We admire those who still carve, forge, or weave by hand, while also taking inspiration from those who embrace technology as a new tool in the maker’s kit.

The community of makers here isn’t just about objects. It’s about connection, collaboration, and the belief that good design should carry both beauty and permanence.