Scottish glories

As Burns Night draws closer, we celebrate the best of Scotland's craftsmanship

- CAROLINE BEDDOW

Every year around 25 January, people celebrate the birth of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. The first Burns Night supper was held in 1801 at his family home five years after his death. It's since become an annual celebration of all things Scottish. Here, we lift the lid on six fabulous Scottish makers.

Snuggle up

With whisky in hand, get snuggly with a Katherine Cowtan scarf. Katherine, 61, moved to Scotland over 20 years ago, and takes the hilly landscape surrounding her home in Fintry, Stirlingshire as her inspiration.

'The variety of colour changes through the seasons and even throughout the day are what influence my designs,' says Katherine, who trained and worked in textile art before focusing on painting. The designer's website features her latest collection, made with silk and Scottish spun cashmere.

* katherinecowtan.co.uk

GORGEOUS GLASS

Emma Butler-Cole Aiken, 57, studied stained glass at Edinburgh College of Art, and creates installations at her home studio in Selkirk. I'm surrounded by hills and trees and wild birds, and this inspires my work. I love the colours and textures you can achieve with glass, she says.

Her work can be found across Scotland, including Glasgow Cathedral; Whitburn Church near Bathgate, St Cuthbert's in Colinton, Edinburgh; Corrie Church on the Isle of Arran, and Manor Church in Kirkton Manor in the Scottish borders. Emma also runs workshops for beginners - see her website for details.

*ebcaglass.com

TASTY TREATS