Traveller
One of the least known groups of basket-makers in Scotland are the Travelling people. We know from historical accounts by authors such as Timothy Neat and from the School of Scottish Studies Archives that, alongside working as tinsmiths and making horn-ware, until recently Travellers made and mended baskets in the Highlands and the west of Scotland. They also made besoms and brushes from heather. There are few in depths accounts by people who have witnessed this, however. Here, we draw together material from across Scotland to illustrate the kinds of baskets Travellers made and the associated aspects of life that they catered to.
James Yates from Culross
A recent email message from David Chappell, who had been looking at the site, included a photo of his great great grandfather James Yates from Culross making what seem to be round egg or shopping baskets. Images like this are …Continue reading “James Yates from Culross”
Donald Crawford
The Ard Fern Roadman. Argyll Donald lived in the house next door to Kath Potter-Irwin, where his son and family now live. Donald was a roadman in the 1960s and 70s looking after a twenty mile stretch of road. Working …Continue reading “Donald Crawford”
Traveller Basket-makers
One of the least known groups of basket-makers in Scotland are the Travelling people. We know from historical accounts by authors such as Timothy Neat and from the School of Scottish Studies Archives that, alongside working as tinsmiths and making …Continue reading “Traveller Basket-makers”
