Perthshire Artisan Trail
Aberfeldy | Pitlochry | Dunkeld
Highland Perthshire Artisan Trail
Explore the hidden gems of Perthshire through an inspiring itinerary that takes you on a journey to meet local artisans and experience their unique crafts.
Introduction to Perthshire Artisans
Perthshire, often referred to as the heart of Scotland, is home to a vibrant community of artisans whose talents span various crafts and creative practices. The Perthshire Artisans collective showcases the best of local craftsmanship, offering visitors a chance to engage with traditional and contemporary arts. With many of the local artisans mainly exhibiting through the Perthshire Artisan collective we thought we would share some of the physical spaces you can visit where their many wonderful craft items are on show.
Start Your Journey: The Perthshire Artisan Itinerary
Embark on a curated itinerary that takes you across Perthshire's picturesque landscapes, visiting studios and workshops where creativity thrives. This trail is perfect for those who appreciate handmade products, wish to learn about traditional crafts, and support local businesses.
1. Start in Aberfeldy: Artisanand
Begin your journey in the historic town of Aberfeldy, where you'll visit Artisanand, which is a contemporary gallery showcasing local scottish arts and crafts. They offer a changing mix of quirky and conceptual pieces including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood, textiles and furniture in a light and relaxed space that invites you to browse.
Angela Thomson established Artisanand, opening in August 2014, mainly with artist friends. After a career in management consultancy this was a chance to work using her skills to represent other artists and develop her own art.
2. Pitlochry: Heathergems
Next, head to Pitlochry to visit Hethergems whohave a wide range of Heathergems and other Scottish products in their Factory Shop. You will find many shop specials and discounted items only available in the shop. They have an extensive range of Heathergems on sale in many different styles and colours sure to appeal to all ages.
You can see the whole story at their factory and take home a piece of Scotland. Heathergems truly are a 'one of a kind' souvenir, no two are ever exactly the same.
3. Dunkeld: The Atholl Gallery
In Dunkeld, Atholl gallery has a reputation for quality and variety which is underpinned by an extensive and ever changing selection of ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture, woodcraft, unusual furniture, metalwork, and an extensive range of high quality signed limited edition Giclee prints. The gallery holds several exhibitions each year showcasing local artisans, emerging talent and well-known Scottish artists. Each work reflects a deeper meaning and nuance - an impression that feeds culture or perhaps a narrative of our world. Whatever it may evoke, you will take home a unique memento - a piece of Scotland and its people.
Located in the picturesque village of Dunkeld in Highland Perthshire, Atholl Gallery specializes in the best of contemporary Scottish art, crafts, sculptures, jewellery, prints and unusual furniture. At the heart of its mission, the gallery has a 30-year history of supporting its community and local artists, providing a wide selection of unique products.
4. Aberfeldy: The Watermill Inn & Gallery
Your trail continues back to Aberfeldy, where Zanna Wilson runs and curates The Watermill Gallery. Following the success of Zanna's guest curatorship of The Watermill Gallery in 2021, 22 & 23, Zanna is now working towards her fourth summer curating the space and hosting 4 to 7 shows a year.
This year Anew launched in March, as a group spring show, then her annual solo summer show – this year called Sojourn – fills the space until mid September, giving way to Glow – the Autumn show – and then a winter long Christmas show titled Resplendence, which pulls together Watermill Gallery regular artists as well as introducing some new. The shows are varied and eclectic and the Watermill Gallery lends itself to being a very intimate space. The Gallery is open 7 days a week (10–5pm daily / 11–5pm Sundays).
5. Aberfeldy: The Yellow House
Conclude your itinerary in the town of Aberfeldy with a visit to the studio of Matthew Storstein. The Yellow House is an art class based in Aberfeldy set up by Matthew. He is a practising artist and art teacher with 20 years experience, working at "Look and Draw" and the Leith School of art in Edinburgh.
The Yellow House aims to provide challenging art classes that encourage students to push their work further, acquire new skills and explore fresh ways of working. Classes also aim to be fun - we don’t see any contradiction in taking your work seriously and enjoying yourself in an informal supportive environment.
Plan Your Visit
Each artisan on the Perthshire trail offers something unique, making this itinerary an enriching experience for art lovers and curious travelers alike. Be sure to check each artisan's website for opening hours, current exhibitions and workshop availability before you visit.
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY RENTAL FOR THE PERTHSHIRE ARTISAN TRAIL
DOG FRIENDLY
Dunan
4
2
2
Dunan is a period property that sleeps 7 which is dog friendly.
DOG FRIENDLY
Sona Brae Lodge
2
1
2
Sona Brae is a luxury lodge on the outskirts of Aberfeldy.
DOG FRIENDLY
Ben Lawers
2
2
2
4 star property on Loch Tay that sleeps 4 and is dog friendly.
DOG FRIENDLY
THE LONGHOUSE
3
2
2
The Longhouse is a unique and stylish luxury self catering property and is also dog friendly.
DOG FRIENDLY
THE STABLES
2
2
2
The Stables is a beautiful self contained apartment on 2 levels. It sleeps 4 and is dog friendly.
WOOD BURNER
TREETOPS LODGE
3
2
6
Treetops is a modern lodge overlooking the Tay Valley that enjoys a peaceful location.
DOG FRIENDLY
AODIN
5
5
2
Aodin is a 5 bedroom modern classic that is located on the Edradynate Estate.
DOG FRIENDLY
Hawthorn Cottage
2
2
2
Just minutes from Loch Tay Hawthorn Cottage is cosy and luxurious.
DOG FRIENDLY
Lundin Farmhouse
5
5
4
A 5 bedroom luxury house that sleeps 10 is dog friendlywith a hot tub.
DOG FRIENDLY
Dunolly Cottage
3
3
2
Dunolly sleeps 6, is dog friendly, a listed building and next to the river.
DOG FRIENDLY
Ghillies Cottage
2
2
2
Popular dog friendly holiday cottage that sleeps 4 with outdoor dining.
DOG FRIENDLY
TATHA VIEW
4
3
8
Tatha View overlooks Loch Tay, is dog friendly, has 4 bedrooms and sleeps 8.
DOG FRIENDLY
Sealladh Cnoc
3
3
2
Sealladh Cnoc cottage sleeps 6 and is dog friendly with stunning views.
DOG FRIENDLY
Ghillies Cottage
2
2
2
Popular dog friendly holiday cottage that sleeps 4 with outdoor dining.
DOG FRIENDLY
Mo Dachaidh
4
3
2
Mo Dachaidh is stunning property that sleeps 8 which is dog friendly.