Power To The Potter

Raku ceramic expert Simon Thorborn found success following his heart

POTTERY is one of Scotland’s most enduring cottage industries, with thousands of independent potteries dotted throughout the country. Arran is no exception with Simon’s Arran Ceramics being one of the more longstanding arts and crafts businesses on the island.

Simon’s business is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. You can, of course, buy examples of his work, but if you want something personal, why not paint your own to your own design? Simon will then glaze and fire it, leaving the vase or bowl to be picked up a couple of days later.

Simon moved to the island in 1986, apprentice to a Northumberland potter who had relocated there. Such was his affinity with the art that he decided to “go it alone” in 1998.

However, he was soon to find out that it wasn’t going to be as easy as he had imagined.