Blog

  • Rosalind Jewell

    Rosalind Jewell

    For the latest Meet the Islander blog we have travelled to the Isle of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides to meet Rosalind Jewell.

    Meet the Islander Rosalind Jewell

    Rosalind is an artist who specialises in paintings of landscapes, places of interest, as well as greetings cards and postcards she also does glass engraving.

    A Sense of People and Place

    We asked Rosalind about things that inspire her and what plans and projects she has in the pipeline. Rosalind finds inspiration from the natural landscape and a sense of people and place. If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting Colonsay you can understand where that inspiration comes from.

    Colonsay, mee the islander roaslind jewell

    Rosalind’s plans include developing a series of paintings of well known and remote places in Colonsay and Oransay. These are sure to be fantastic. Rosalind’s painting really evokes a sense and feeling of island life.

    The last two years have been a challenge as Rosalind tried to keep a thread of creativity alive throughout the lockdowns whilst expecting a baby. Well done Rosalind and congratulations!

    As well as working as an artist Rosalind, like many islanders combines this with many roles. She is a mum, a Healthcare Assistant for the NHS and also as a Development Officer for the island’s community development company.

    Meet the Islander Rosalind Jewell

    Living Life to the Full

    I asked Rosalind what being an islander meant to her – being an islander to Rosalind is ‘to live in a way that embraces life fully and in a way that contributes to the progress and sustainability of the island’.

    Sounds like a great way to embrace life and live island life to the full to us! 

    She would love to visit Shetland and Orkney someday. To explore these archipelagos and learn about the culture and history of these islands. These islands have so many similarities as well as many differences to the Inner Hebrides.

    To see more of Rosalind wonderful art visit her isle20 shop by clicking HERE.

  • The Tiree Ultramarathon

    The Tiree Ultramarathon

    What makes a great run?…….How about sandy beaches, blue skies and an unspoilt landscape? Tiree Ultramarathon offers ALL of that and it also helps that it’s pretty flat too!

    This year’s Tiree Ultramarathon takes place on Sunday 4th September. 35 miles of stunning Hebridean scenery and I’m fairly sure some good times after you’ve reached the finish line too.

    Ultra, 10k or Half Marathon

    The Tiree Ultramarathon is fully subscribed for this year, but keep your eye out on their Facebook group page for cancellations. What more motivation do you need to start training for next year than the thought of visiting one of the loveliest islands in the Inner Hebrides? If the Ultramarathon is a bit too much for you, there’s always the Tiree 10k and Half Marathon which are taking place on the 29th April 2023 – you could think of that as the warm up event!

    Tiree Fitness Merchandise

    On isle20 you can buy Tiree Ultramarathon hoodies and other merchandise. If you are taking part this year, be sure to buy your hoodie on isle20 and arrange for collection on the day! Visit the Tiree Fitness isle20 Shop HERE

    A True Community Event

    The event is a massive community effort and wouldn’t be possible with the army of volunteers who make the event possible. Like all good island events it’s the people who make it happen! The event is also sponsored by Tiree Distillery who make the delicious Tyree Gin on the island, a welcome celebratory tipple for when you complete the route! Here are some previous winners with their medals and Tyree Gin! You can buy Tyree Gin by clicking HERE.

    So, have we manage to convince you to dust off your running shoes for next year’s Ultra, Half or 10k? In that case you might be looking for accommodation too? If so, check out isleholiday for holiday accommodation.

    If you don’t already know, isleHoliday is the ethical alternative holiday booking site for the Scottish islands, including some gorgeous properties in Tiree.

  • Back to School Gifts

    Back to School Gifts

    It’s been quite a summer! Hard to believe that the school holidays are almost over and kids across the land are heading back to school!

    Here are some back to school gift ideas for the little people in your lives!

    There’s pencil cases, books, and bags and you can find much MORE on isle20.com to celebrate the return to the classroom!

  • Sheila Hankin

    Sheila Hankin

    Last week I paid a visit to Sandness in the West Mainland of Shetland to visit Sheila Hankin from SHetland by Sheila Hankin.

    Meet the Islander Sheila Hankin

    Sandness is about as far a drive from Unst you can possibly do in Shetland! The highlight of the drive, apart from the amazing scenery and the beautifully coloured Shetland sheep that roam in the hills on the way, were the lily pads in tiny lochs. So magical, I half expected a Shetland trow (a troll) to leap out from a peat bank to ask us what we were doing!

    At the end of a long and winding single-track road you drive down into Sandness. A lovely little village with houses dotted around beautiful bays and inlets that look across to the island of Papa Stour and beyond to the cliffs of Eshaness and Ronas hill.

    Meet the Islander Sheila Hankin

    Island inspiration

    The view from Sheila’s house is stunning! Sheila retired and moved to Shetland to support her daughter and granddaughter, who moved here for work. She decided to set up her business SHetland by Sheila Hankin to assist in establishing herself, to keep herself busy and to make connections with the community. Like many of the Scottish islands there is still a strong connection with traditional crafts and setting up a business seemed like a natural progression.

    Sheila uses Shetland tweed to make gifts and soft furnishings inspired by the Shetland landscape. Gorgeous cushions, handbags, key fobs, notebooks, art pads, tweed greeting cards, scarfs and hats, many of which can be found in her isle20 shop. “My major achievement has been starting a business and upscaling my hobbies to create products which have commercial appeal”. 

    Meet the Islander Sheila Hankin

    It will come as no surprise that it’s the beautiful landscape I live in and the wildlife that inspires Sheila. I enjoy working with tweed, it is tactile and connects to the landscape around me. Just stepping into her workshop next to her house is a joy! The smell of the wool and tweed is wonderful!

    I asked Sheila what plans she had for her business “I’m creating a new line of collectable tweed bears. I am also offering a one day cushion making course too!”

    Island challenges

    Of course there are challenges to running a small craft business at 60 degrees north! “The biggest challenges are the geographic location and sourcing materials, which cannot be purchased in the islands.” As well as challenges there’s a sense of great achievement and starting a business and upscaling her hobbies to create products which have commercial appeal is definitely up there!

    Finally I asked Sheila what being an islander means to her. “Being an islander, means a simpler life where you appreciate family and get to spend more time with them. You appreciate your surroundings and the simple things in life”. I think we can all agree that’s not a bad way to live!

    Visit Sheila’s isle20 shop HERE for gorgeous and beautifully made Shetland tweed gifts.

  • Ruth Brough

    Ruth Brough

    We’re heading up to Sanday in Orkney to meet fused glass artist Ruth Brough.

    Fused glass artist Ruth Brough

    Ruth makes a range of Orkney inspired fused glass pendants, coasters and sun catchers. She lives and works in lovey island of Sanday which is one of the northern Orkney Isles.

    She lives on her family beef cattle and sheep farm with a huge menagerie of other animals and pets. Ruth, like many islanders, is a busy person, also working in social care for Crossroads, caring in the community that means so much to her.

    Inspired by Orkney

    Although not native to Orkney, she moved to Orkney in 1997, and all her children were born and have grown up in Sanday, which is one of the Northern Isles. “I love the island and its community. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else”. 

    Rith Brough Fused Glass Sanday Orkney

    Orkney is a constant source of inspiration – the landscapes and wildlife! “I just love it here”! 

    Her plans to keep on creating her beautiful fused glass pieces and putting herself out there and promoting her products. Ruth says “Being a part of isle20 has really boosted my confidence.” 

    Fused Glass

    Ruth would love to visit the Isle of Lewis and see the Callanish standing stones……. for more inspiration perhaps?

    Visit Ruth’s isle20 shop by clicking HERE and see her stunning fused glass pieces, they make great gifts and keepsakes and mementos of trips to the stunning Orkney isles!

  • Where in the Scottish islands can you see Orcas?

    Where in the Scottish islands can you see Orcas?

    It’s a question asked by many visitors to the Scottish islands every year. The numbers of orcas, whales and other sea mammals has been a bit of a nature success story in the Scottish islands in recent years, which is GREAT news but there are no guarantees! So, where in the Scottish islands can you see Orcas?

    It seems to be easier than ever to see an orca while you are on an island adventure. Perhaps this is more to do with the opportunities available to see them. There is so much interest in seeing whales, dolphins and orcas in their natural habitat, so people are actively looking for them.

    We are also so well connected these days and there are groups on messaging apps spreading the word about sightings. So, when you are on holiday sign up to orca spotting and nature groups on social media and get connected!

    Boat Trips or Coastal Walks?

    So, where are the best places to go and see orcas? Remember it can be a bit hit or miss! The great thing about Orca spotting in the summer months is that they come inshore to hunt seals and can be seen from the coast. Obviously taking a boat trip can be a much more fun and exciting experience. There is also the potential for spotting lots of other sea mammals and birds.

    Here are some island hot spots but there’s a chance of seeing them and all kinds of other wonderful sea life from all the Scottish islands.

    1. Orkney Isles 
    2. Shetland
    3. Isle of Mull
    4. Outer Hebrides 

    It comes as no surprise that orcas come as a source of inspiration to many of our isle20 vendors! Orcas really capture the imagination and it’s a real privilege to know that they are thriving in our coastal waters.

    Orca inspiration

    Here are some WONDERFUL orca inspired products on isle20 and to find more visit isle20 and go island shopping!

    If you are thinking about going on a wildlife spotting adventure in the Scottish island why not check out isleHoliday for some FANTASTIC holiday accommodation ideas. isleHoliday is the ethical alternative for booking you island holiday accommodation. Click HERE to discover your next holiday home!

  • Five things you didn’t know about Highland Cows.

    Five things you didn’t know about Highland Cows.

    Who doesn’t LOVE a Highland Cow? They’re cute, they’re fluffy and does anything say Scotland more than a Highland Coo? Here are five things you didn’t know about Highland cows.

    Five things you didn't know about Highland cows

    So here are FIVE things you didn’t know (or maybe you did) about everyone’s favourite bovine – Highland Cows!

    • Highland cows are known collectively as a fold and not a herd.
    • When Highland cows become friends they show affection by licking and play fighting with each other.
    • Both males and females have horns.
    • Their long and shaggy coat helps keep them cosy and dry during the harsh winter weather and they’re not just the classic red colour…..their coats range from a light honey yellow to black.
    • The graze all day and can eat up to 70kg of grass a day that’s like eating 700 banana muffins!
    Five thins you didn't now about Highland cows

    A Highland cow’s thick and fluffy coat is perfectly designed for highland and island living and more and more island crofts are adding cows, and Highland cows in particular to their crofting flocks. Not only are they a cute addition they are a valuable asset too.

    If you LOVE Highland cows as much as we do here at isle20, you’re in luck! Here are a few products inspired by Scotland’s cutest coos.

    For more Highland cow gifts and more products from small businesses in the Scottish islands then visit the isle20 Shop HERE!

  • Gift Ideas for the men in your life

    Gift Ideas for the men in your life

    We have searched the Scottish islands for perfect gifts for the men in your life! Whether you are looking for a gift for a dad, grandad, uncle or brother – you are sure to find the perfect gift here!

  • A Taste of Shetland – with Claire White

    A Taste of Shetland – with Claire White

    We’ve been meeting up with Claire White from Taste of Shetland to hear about the seasonal delights from the northern isles.

    In Shetland the simmer dim days are stretching longer and the instinctive urge to sample nature’s larder is growing stronger. Rhubarb, wild garlic and dandelion syrup have been on our seasonal household menu this week, accompanying Shetland food staples loved by locals and increasingly cottoned onto by culinary tourists.

    If you’ve never tasted seafood caught or farmed in the cool waters surrounding our islands, or savoured the flavour of Shetland lamb, then please add these experiences to your bucket list now!

    If you can’t make your own foodie pilgrimage to Britain’s northernmost outpost, why not treat yourself to a Shetland delicacy or two online? From Shetland Reel Gin, to fish, meat, speciality biscuits, preserves and even Shetland butter, a taste of the isles can be delivered direct to your door.

    You can discover delicious food from all over the Scottish islands by visiting the isle20 shop.

    Like isle20 between 23rd and 26th June 2022 Taste of Shetland is exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh for the first time. Here you can taste Shetland scallops, monkfish, crab, lamb and sassermaet in their unadulterated glory. Feast your eyes on quality arts, crafts and gifts from all the Scottish islands at the isle20 stand 838A in the 13th Avenue Shopping Arcade.

    You will receive a warm greeting with islanders in town, and you might even catch a glimpse of a Viking or two…

    To find out more about Taste of Shetland visit their website HERE.

  • World Bee Day

    World Bee Day

    The 20th May is World Bee Day but on isle20 we believe EVERY DAY is a bee day! The machair is in full bloom now covering the islands in a blanket of colour and providing the bees with a bounty of nectar.

    Here’s a wee collection of bee inspired products from all over the Scottish islands!

    Go island shopping for BEE and Honey inspired products today on isle20.com

  • Scottish island gins

    Scottish island gins

    When it comes to gin Scotland is right up there producing the FINEST in the world. In fact over 70% of the UK’s gin is made in Scotland. So, what makes Scottish gin and island gins in particular so good?

    Well, it’s all down to the AMAZING ingredients, distilling skills which are rooted in island traditions and communities and a passion for making premium products in beautiful surroundings.

    There are many Scottish island gins to try and here on isle20 we have some of the BEST. We have island gins right from the far north in Shetland to the whisky island of Islay. Now making a name making a name for itself in the world of Scottish island gin as well as whisky.

    Shetland

    Shetland Reel has five gins and a gin liquor available on isle20 all made on the UK’s most northerly island of Unst. The Shetland Reel Original uses the sweet scented leaves of apple mint, grown and harvested in Unst. Visit the Shetland Reel isle20 shop HERE

    Shetland Reel Gin

    Isle of Skye

    The Isle of Skye Distillers are located in Portree and were the first distillery to produce gin and vodka in Skye. They have five gins, including the delicious Misty Isle Mulled Christmas Gin. Don’t forget a mulled gin isn’t just for Christmas. Buy Misty Isle Gin HERE

    Jura

    Next we are heading over to the Isle of Jura Lussa Gin is a women-owned gin company and they create a FANTASTIC gin using 15 botanicals from the island! Lussa Gin is available in a gift box with two engraved Lussa Gin Distillery glasses, the perfect gift for a gin-loving chum. Shop for Lussa Gin HERE

    Lussa Gin

    Tiree

    The next Scottish island gin we are looking at is in Tiree. Tiree is the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides and enjoys the most hours of sunshine in Scotland. The key botanicals in Tyree gin are the machair flowers which thrive in the sunshine and locally sourced kelp from the pristine Atlantic waters. Buy Tyree Gin HERE

    Tiree gin

    Barra

    Barra Atlantic Gin has won multiple awards and is delicious as it looks. The key botanical is the organically grown carageen seaweed which is hand-harvested from the shores of Barra and provides the inspiration for the gorgeous packaging. They have just added a lovely and refreshingly sweet rhubarb and heather liquor to their collection too. Visit the Barra Gin isle20 shop HERE

    Barra island gin

    Islay

    Finally to Islay, an island synonymous with distilling with a rich heritage of whisky with nine world famous whisky distilleries. But it’s not all about whisky in Islay! On isle20 we have not one but two FANTASTIC gins from Islay available! Firstly Jukebox Gin, a versatile island gin suitable for cocktails, with tonic or neat. Designed by bartenders for discerning drinkers, this gin will be sure to suit all tastes.  Buy Jukebox Gin HERE

    Nerabus Islay Gin also hails from the whisky isle. Drs John and Audrey Gow are the characters behind Nerabus Gin which blends juniper berries, herbs and spices with wild Islay heather. Shop for Nerabus Gin HERE

    Scottish island gin

    So, if gin is your thing, why not try one of these delicious Scottish island gins! What’s more they are all produced by small island distilleries which support the island communities by providing employment as well as a product which is well and truly putting quality island produce on the global map! 

    To buy your next favourite Scottish island gin – go island shopping today on isle20.com

  • Michelle Seviour

    Michelle Seviour

    We are heading to the Isle of Skye to meet the islander – Michelle Seviour of Indigo Berry. Michelle is passionate about designing and creating unique and affordable jewellery. Each piece of Indigo Berry jewellery offers an emotional connection to the landscape and culture of the Isle of Skye. 

    As well as incorporating the alchemy of turning silver clay into hallmarked sterling silver, Indigo Berry jewellery showcases the unique properties of ethically sourced gemstones, fossils and even vintage buttons. You can find an exclusive collection of Indigo Berry jewellery on isle20.

    “Living in the Isle of Skye I am literally surrounded by inspiration. The colours of the landscape, wild flowers, textures and patterns on the shoreline – all of these might find their way into my jewellery designs. My creativity also draws on my passions for Celtic Art, fairy tales, geology and social history”.

    Having the courage and drive to launch Indigo Berry in 2012 was quite an achievement. Although she had been making jewellery for herself and friends for many years. “I am immensely proud that each of my handcrafted silver pieces bears my own ‘makers mark’ as part of the hallmark”. Michelle loves to interact with her customers face to face and was a regular stallholder at local craft fairs. Since March 2020 the pandemic has halted craft fair events. With many of her customers unable to visit the island, she faced up to the challenge of making it possible for them to shop Indigo Berry remotely. As well as her website, this included adding her work to isle20.

    You can visit Michelle’s shop on isle20 by clicking HERE.

  • Handmade Scented Candles

    Handmade Scented Candles

    Are you looking for a birthday or special gift? We have a wonderful selection of gorgeous handmade scented candles. There are also beautifully scented reed diffusers and wax melts too.

    Candles are the perfect gift and we have so many scents to choose from – gorgeous island inspired coastal scents to warm and cosy spicy scents for a coorie atmosphere.

    Here are some of our favourites…..

    Lismore Luminations

    Lismore Luminations have a gorgeous range of handmade scented candles and reed diffusers. Not only do they smell AMAZING they look fantastic too and would make a lovely addition to any home. 

    Orkney Candles

    Candles can evoke so many feelings, memories and emotions. Who remembers the delicious smell of a clootie dumpling and the smell of sitting by the fireside? These lovely scents are available from Orkney Candles and would make a great candle gift.

    Sandwick Bay Candles – Isle of Lewis

    Are you shopping for a fan of Outlander? Sandwick Bay Candles are based in Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis and have lovely handmade scented candles inspired by Outlander and the natural world.

    Tiree Sea Tours

    Need a reminder of island adventures and inspiration for future island trips? Then look no further than the range of coastal and island inspired scents from Tiree Sea Tours.

    Mella Handmade Soap – Shetland

    And finally, Mella Handmade Soap well as gorgeous handmade soaps and skincare there are lovely handmade scented soy candles too. Rhubarb and Plum is a favourite scent, in a travel tin or lovely amber glass jar. There’s gorgeous Spiced Pumpkin Latte scent too.

    So, there’s a gorgeous selection of scented candles perfect for any occasion. There are many more lovely handmade scented candles to choose from and more gift inspiration in the isle20 shop – take a look!

     Is that enough to inspire you? Hopefully! Still looking? Let us help. Try this selection of sparkly jewellery, or what about natural handmade soaps and skincare?

  • Libby Galli

    Libby Galli

    by Julia Welstead

    Libby Galli – at home in Eigg

    Eigg felt like home

    On a wild March day of wind, rain, hail and sun, I walk through Cleadale, the northerly township of the Isle of Eigg, to the house of felt artist Libby Galli. As I reach the gate, adorned with an arch of driftwood, her partner Charlie comes bowling out, on taxi duty. As the island’s only taxi, he’s a busy man. Bob-the-dog wags and woofs: my arrival is announced.

    Examples of Libby’s artwork are everywhere. Detailed portraits (human, canine, feline, equine) studies of local flora and fauna, and glorious landscape wall hangings adorn the rooms. We settle in the kitchen for coffee and Libby’s freshly baked cake. In her capacity as provider of summertime garden teas, Libby’s cake making is legendary.

    Originally from East Sussex, Libby’s life has involved a steady trek north.  And from nursery nurse, to forestry extraction driver, to farmer on Bardsey, to running the Green Shed craft shop on Muck, her career path has also been an adventure. When she and Charlie (childhood sweethearts who re-found each other in later life) first encountered Eigg though, it immediately felt like home, their forever place.

    Libby’s felt-art resonates with the glorious land and seascapes that surround her home. I’m astonished at the detail she can build into a felted piece, and her ability to capture a likeness in her portrait work (mostly commissioned pieces) is uncanny. I’m left with the impression that Libby is a talented artist who uses felt as her medium, rather than a craft felter. Having said that, she started out making slippers, bowls and rugs on a peg loom whilst on Bardsey, and subsequently taught herself to create images with a felting needle.

    Funding from Eiggbox enabled Libby to launch her artwork with an exhibition in the Edinburgh Storytelling Centre, and she now sells through isle20 as well as from her own garden studio, and locally. She also runs very popular felt workshops.

    What’s next? Libby shows me examples of her prototype felted jewellery, lampshades, fridge magnets and sculptures. I fall in love with a delightful, almost lifesize hare, formed of divinely soft wool felted onto an internal structure of flexible wire. He’s a character. 

    Vist Libby’s isle20 shop to see more of her work.

  • Easter Gifts from the Scottish islands

    Easter Gifts from the Scottish islands

    Here’s a collection of some of our favourite Easter gifts available on isle20. From sweet Easter chocolate treats to Easter craft kits, we have an Easter gift for you!

    Treat yourself or someone you love to Easter gifts from the Scottish islands and support small island businesses. Go island shopping in the Scottish islands TODAY!

  • Puffins – Everyone’s favourite sea bird

    Puffins – Everyone’s favourite sea bird

    Puffins are by far the cutest wee sea bird that you will find on our island cliffs.

    From April to August puffins return from a winter at sea to their cliff side burrows to nest and bring out a chick. The arrival of the puffins is a sure sign that summer is on the way!

    Here are FIVE FACTS about Puffins

    PUFFINS MATE FOR LIFE

    All the romantics out there will love the idea of this! But it’s really just because puffins return to the same nest each year. They get to know each other again by turning their heads from side to side and knocking their colourful beaks together.

    PUFFINS NEST UNDERGROUND

    Puffins nest in little burrows. They dig them out using their feet and bills and make a nest from feathers and grass. Sometimes puffins will move into a rabbit burrow, pecking and chasing the usual occupant out!

    BABY PUFFINS ARE CALLED PUFFLINGS

    Is that not the cutest name ever? Puffins lay just one egg and a baby puffin isn’t as colourful as its parents. They fly the nest after just six weeks. Young puffins spend two or three years at sea before returning to the cliffs to find a mate. You can check out the Sumburgh Head Puffin Cam HERE

    FISHING EXPERTS

    They can catch and carry around10 sand eels their beaks in one go. However, the record was an amazing 83 sand eels in one puffin’s beak! Puffins usually fish in the morning, so the evening is a good time to try and see them on the cliffs.

    HIGH SPEED TRAVEL

    Even though they haven’t got the most aero-dynamic shape and only have a wingspan of about 20”. They are pretty speedy and can travel at a top speed of 55 mph with their little wings flapping at around 400 times a minute!

    There you go FIVE FACTS about everyone’s favourite sea birds – puffins.

    Here at isle20 we are massive puffin fans so we have searched the isle20 marketplace and have found some FANTASTIC puffin themed products and gifts for you to give to your puffin-loving friends!

  • Hebridean Stone Jewellery

    Hebridean Stone Jewellery

    Green stone jewellery, pink, black, white… When it comes to using rock to make jewellery, the options are endless.

    The Scottish islands are not short of rock. From marble to gneiss and everything inbetween, they are most visible around the rocky coast lines and beaches – but they tend not to be too far under the ground either!

    In the Isle of Tiree, the Isle of Harris, and elsewhere, island makers are using this natural and abundant resource to craft stone jewellery, bowls and even stone ice cubes.

    If you like your jewellery natural and eco friendly, it doesn’t come much better than this.

    Stone Jewellery on isle20

    Gneiss Things – Isle of Harris

    In the Isle of Harris you will find Gneiss Things with their broad range of stone jewellery! They make stone earrings and stone pendants as well as keyrings, bowls and cubes.

    Gneiss is a type of rock common to the Hebrides, in fact the main outcrops of the Lewisian rocks are on the islands of the Outer Hebrides, including Lewis. Wikipedia can tell you all about the Lewisian Complex in great detail!

    Hebridii Stonecraft – Isle of Tiree

    In Tiree you will find Hebridii Stonecraft where James polishes and shines the rare Tiree green marble until it sparkles, before turning it into exquisite green stone jewellery like necklaces, pendants and earrings.

    Tiree marble is unique to the Inner Hebridean island on the scottish west coast . The metamorphic rock, believed to be a windblown sand around 3 – 1.7 billion years old.

    Hazel’s Sea Jewellery – Isle of Colonsay

    In Colonsay, Hazel uses sea glass and pebbles from the beach to create a stunning range of unique pieces of jewellery set in silver. Her pebble rings and pendants are just beautiful

    If you haven’t found quite the right thing, you can keep exploring our stone jewellery options over in the marketplace.

    More rocking gems!
  • Comann Each nan Eilean – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Comann Each nan Eilean – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Eriskay Pony cards, t-shirts and more!

    Tha Liam Crouse an sàs ann an Comann Each nan Eilean ann an Èirisgeidh.

    ‘S e catharnas a th’ann an Comman Each nan Eilean a a chaidh a chuir air bhonn ann an 1972 gus ha h-eich dùchasach seo a dhìon.

    Liam Crouse is part of the Eriskay Pony Society based in the Isle of Eriskay.

    The Eriskay Pony Society is a charity founded in 1972 to safeguard and conserve the Eriskay Pony, a unique Scottish native breed.

    Comann Each nan Eilean – The Eriskay Pony Society is a charity founded in 1972 to safeguard and conserve the Eriskay Pony, a unique Scottish native breed.

    Liam

    Dè mu dhèidhinn a’ Ghàidhlig?

    What about Gaelic?

    Dh’innis Liam dhuinn gu bheil Gàidhlig aig iomadh neadh a tha an sàs anns a’ chatharnas seach gu bheil iad stèidhichte air eilean far a bheil Gàidhlig fhathast ri chluinntinn gu laitheil.

    Liam told us that because the charity is based in an island where Gaelic remains strong, many of the society members use Gaelic on a daily basis.

    Our 50th year anniversary calendar is bilingual and Gaelic language and culture will feature through our events this year

    Liam

    Dè am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat?

    What’s your favourite Gaelic word?

    Aonragaich – a horse rolling over to scratch its back

    Liam

    Rach do làraich-lìn a’ chomainn gus tuileadh a’ leughadh mu dheidhinn na h-eich iongtach seo.

    Head over to the Eriskay Pony Society’s website to read more about the ponies, and find out how you can support the work of the Society.

  • Jazz Buchanan Creations – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Jazz Buchanan Creations – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Highland cow cards and more from Elgol in Skye!

    Tha Jazz Buchanan stèidhichte san Eilean Sgitheanach, ann an Elgol.

    ‘S e dealbhadair a th’innte agus bidh i a’ tarraing dhealbhan àlainn. ‘S iad crodh Ghaidhealach na rudan a bhios i a’ tarraing as trice!

    Jazz Buchanan is based in Elgol in the Isle of Skye.

    She is an artist who draws delightful illustrations and island-scapes. Highland cows feature regularly in what she draws!

    I am a freelance illustrator based in Elgol, Isle of Skye. I design gifts and souvenirs, such as mugs, greeting cards, art prints, crafts and more. I also provide illustrations and cartoons for magazines, newspapers or businesses and I get asked to do caricature portraits.

    Jazz

    Dè mu dhèidhinn a’ Ghàidhlig?

    What about Gaelic?

    Dh’innis Jazz dhuinn gu bheil i ag obair gu cruaidh gus Gàidhig ionnsachadh, agus gu bheil i ga cleachdadh na h-obair, agus na dealbhan!

    Jazz told us that she is working hard to learn Gaelic. She uses it at work, and in her products.

    I do a few Gaelic lessons each day to keep learning Gaelic and I try to use Gaelic when pointing things out to my 1-year old son (in the hope that he’ll learn the language too). I also use a little bit of Gaelic in my daytime job as administrator at an accountancy, where we have a lot of Gaelic speaking clients.

    I include Gaelic in my designs, such as Gaelic greeting cards and mugs, and thinking of creating more products with Gaelic.

    I love using Gàidhlig in my designs as a way to help keep the language alive. I grew up abroad listening to Runrig’s Gaelic songs and it means a lot to me to support interest in the language.

    Jazz

    Dè am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat?

    What’s your favourite Gaelic word?

    Buntàta, meaning potato. Not sure why I like it but it rolls off the tongue really well!

    Chither tuilleadh bho Jazz anns a’ bhùth!

    See more highland cow cards from Jazz in the shop!

  • Why doesn’t isle20 have a Gaelic translation?

    Why doesn’t isle20 have a Gaelic translation?

    Le/By Rhoda

    Scroll down on mobile to see the English version at the bottom 😉

    Tha e iongantach cho beag ‘s a smaoinich mi mun Ghàidhlig nuair a chuir mi isle20 air bhog.

    ‘S e margadh air loidhne a th’ ann an isle20.com. Àite far am faodar bathar a cheannach bho air feadh eileanan na h-Alba. Tha na prothaidean uile a’ tilleadh gus pròiseactan sna h-eileanan a chuideachadh.

    Tha e cuideachd iongantach cho beag ‘s a smaoinich mi mun Ghàidhlig nuair a chuir mi na gnìomhachasan eile agam air bhog – teatha, mar eisimpleir.

    ‘S e an trioblaid le bhith nam fhileantach gu bheil daoine an còmhnaidh am beachd gum bu chòir dhomh na rudan a tha mi a’ dèanamh a dhèanamh sa Ghàidhlig sa chiad dol a mach.

    Reic mi pacaid teatha agus thuirt cuideigin nach robh gu leòr a Ghàidhlig air cùl na pacaid. Chuir mi isle20 air bhog agus nochd cuideigin an ìre mhath an aon latha gus mo chàineadh air Twitter air sàilleabh nach do rinn mi eadar-theangachadh air an rud mus do dh’fhoillsich mi an làrach-lìn.

    An robh còir agam na rudan sin a dhèanamh? Seach gur e fileantach a th’ annam, am feum mi a h-uile nì a thionndadh don Ghàidhlig? Tha mi an dòchas nach ann mar sin a tha e. Tha sinn sgìth gu leòr a’ feuchainn ri grèim a chumail air ar cànan ‘s ar cultar gun riaghailtean mar sin a bith againn!

    Dè tha cudromach, ma tha, ma tha sinn a’ sealltainn air gnìomhachasan beaga air an ruith far a bheil Gàidhlig air a bruidhinn, no a sealltainn air gnìomhachasan beaga air an ruith le neach aig a bheil Gàidhlig?

    Dhòmhsa, ‘s e an rud as cudromaiche gu bheil an gnìomhachas a soirbheachadh. Gun sin, chan eil cànan no pacaid gu mòran feum.


    ‘S e cnag na cùise gum bu choir dhuinn Gàidhlig a chleachdadh far a bheil i iomchaidh, agus nàdurra, agus feumail.

    Can nan robh mi air seachdain no dhà a chur seachad ag eadar-theangachadh isle20?   Tha a’ mhòr chuid den luchd-ceannachd againn ann an Sasainn. Tha ùidh aca anns na h-eileanan, agus ‘s dòcha sa Ghàidhlig fhèin, ach son a’ chuid as motha dhiubh bhiodh margadh air loidhne sa Ghàidhlig cho feumail ri seann bhàt’-aiseig sa Ghearran. Chìtheadh iad Gàidhlig air an duilleag ceart gu leòr ach, mar a chanas iad sa chànan eile, so what?

    Dè tha mi ris, ma tha, gus dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil Gàidhlig beò anns na tha mi a reic agus a’ cur air-loidhne?

    Uill, cha do thionndaidh mi isle20 gu Gàidhlig fhathast, ach tha sinn faiceallach Gàidhlig a chleachdadh far a bheil e iomchaidh. Tha sinn a’ cleachdadh Fàilte, Moran Taing agus Slàinte anns na brathan naidheachd gun eadar-theangachadh sam bith. Tha duilleag air isle20 a tha a’ nochdadh nan gnìomhachasan aig a bheil luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig, no a tha a’ reic bathar a tha a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig.

    Leis a sin, tha Gàidhlig a-measg na tha sinn a’ dèanamh, gu nàdarra. Thug mi am prionnsabal bhon teatha agam. Chan eil àite gu leòr air na pacaidean gus an eadar-theanagachadh, agus fiù ’s nan robh cha dèanann sin. Ach, air gach pacaid tha abairt ann “What’s the Gaelic for…”. Air gach bogsa le cupan ann, tha abairt co-cheangailte ri teatha ann –  gach cuid an Gàidhlig agus am Beurla, agus ‘s e abairtean Gàidhlig a bh’ annta sa chiad àite!

    ‘S dòcha gu bheil sibh a’ smaoineachadh nach ann ach a’ cluich a tha mi. Agus gu ìre ‘s ann – tha mi a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig gus rudan a reic agus gus gàire a nochdadh. Ach tha puing nas fharsainge ann. Ma tha sinn a toirt air daoine Gàidhlig a chleachdadh air a h-uile rud, anns a h-uile h-ait’, fàsaidh iad sgìth dheth gu math luath. Chan eil mise den bheachd gu bheil e idir feumail eadar-theangachadh a dhèanamh air a h-uile càil a sheasas son mionaid, no tionndadh Gàidhlig a thoirt air a h-uile facal ùr.

    Ach, le sin a radh, tha mi am beachd gu bheil e cudromach Gàidhlig fhaicinn agus a chluinntinn gu nàdarra ann an Alba gu laitheil. Son sin a dhèanamh a thaobh gnìomhachas ged tha, tha mi air slighe an eadar-theanagachaidh fhàgail gu aon taobh. Chan e eadar-theangachadh a tha mi a’ dèanamh idir – ach cleachadh na Gàidhlig ri taobh na Beurla. Agus tha mi an dòchas, leis a sin, gun tèid aire dhaoine a tharraing ann an dòigh spòrsail gu cànan a tha nàdarrach dhòmhsa agus do mhìltean eile.

    ps. Tha ainmean Gàidhlig air na pacaidean teatha as ùire, agus mar sin tha sinn air “What’s the English for” a chur air an cùil!

    It’s funny how little I thought about Gaelic when I first set up isle20.

    It’s an online market place. Somewhere where you can buy products from across the Scottish islands.

    All of the profits are reinvested to support island projects.

    It’s also odd how little I thought about Gaelic when I set up my other enterprises – tea, for example.

    The trouble with being a fluent speaker is that people are always of the opinion that the things I do should be in Gaelic – if not in the first instance then immediately after.

    I sold a packet of tea and was told that there wasn’t enough Gaelic on the packet. I set isle20 up and someone appeared almost immediately to berate me on Twitter because I hadn’t translated it before putting it online.

    Should I have done that? Because I am a fluent Gaelic speaker, should everything I do be translated into Gaelic? I really hope not. We are tired enough trying to keep a grip of language and culture without rules like that!

    So what is important then, when we are looking at small businesses run where Gaelic is spoken, or small businesses run by Gaelic speakers?

    For me, the most important thing is that the business is successful. Without that the language on the packet is meaningless.

    The crux of it is that Gaelic should be used where it is appropriate, and natural, and useful.

    Let’s say I had spent a few weeks poring over the translation of isle20? Most of our customers are in England. They are interested in the islands and maybe in Gaelic itself, but for most of them an online shop in Gaelic would be about as useful as an old ferry in February.

    They would see Gaelic on the page, right enough but as they say in the other language, so what?

    So what am I doing to make sure that Gaelic is alive in what I am selling and putting online?

    Well, two years on I still haven’t translated isle20 into Gaelic, but I am careful to use Gaelic where I can.

    We use phrases like Fàilte, Moran Taing and Slàinte with no translation at all.

    There is a specific page on isle20 highlighting businesses which are run by Gaelic speakers, relate to Gaelic or sell products whihc use Gaelic,

    In that way, Gaelic is amongst what we do, in a natural way. I took the principle from my tea business. There isn’t enough space on the packets to translate everything and even if there was, I wouldn’t do it! However on each packet there’s a “What’s the Gaelic for…”. On every mug box there is a saying linked to tea drinking. It is in both Gaelic and English, and the original phrases are Gaelic in origin.

    Maybe you think that I’m just playing. And to an extent that’s true – I am using Gaelic to sell things and raise a smile. But there is a wider point. If we force people to translate everything, everywhere they will quickly tire of the exercise. I don’t personally think it is helpful to translate everything that stands still long enough into Gaelic, nor do I think that we need a Gaelic version of every English word.

    With all that said, I DO think it is important that Gaelic is seen and heard naturally in Scotland, and on a daily basis. To do that in terms of business though, I have left translation to one side. It is not translation that I am doing at all – but using Gaelic beside English. And I hope with that, that people’s attention will be drawn in a fun way to a language which is natural not only to me but to thousands more.

    ps. The latest island blends have Gaelic names, so we changed the backs of the packets to read “What’s the English for” instead!

  • Christie Country Crafts – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Christie Country Crafts – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Cross stitch cards, keyrings and more!

    Tha Fiona bho Christie Country Crafts a’ fuireach ann an Eilean a’ Cheò – no an t-Eilean Sgitheanach mar a th’againn air cuideachd.

    ‘S e cross stitch a tha a’ còrdadh rithe agus bidh i a’ sgrìobhadh na pàtrain aice fhèin.

    Fiona from Christie Country Crafts lives in the Isle of Skye. Eilean a’ Cheò (the island of the mist) is what it is often as in Gaelic.

    Cross stitch is her passion and her products feature patterns which she has written herself.

    Sealladh breagha!
    Fiona i fhèin

    I am an experienced cross stitcher and crafter who makes a variety of greetings cards and gift items using patterns that I have designed over many years. I make my products in my home on the beautiful Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. I take inspiration from the colours and scenery of our island, along with designing for specific events and occasions.

    Fiona

    Dè mu dhèidhinn a’ Ghàidhlig?

    What about Gaelic?

    Dh’innis Fiona dhuinn gu bheil i ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig le Duolingo agus LearnGaelic.net.

    Tha i a’ cleachdadh Gaidhlig ann an cuid den bhathar a tha i a’ reic. Chì sibh gu h-ìosail iad!

    Fiona told us that she is currently learning Gaelic, and using LearnGaelic.net and Duolingo to do it.

    She uses Gaelic in some of her products as well – you can see them below!

    I hope one day to be fluent enough to use it more within my daily communication.

    Fiona

    Dè am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat?

    What’s your favourite Gaelic word?

    Sgoinneil, meaning brilliant – it’s one of those words where I now find myself using the Gaelic more than the English

    Chither tuilleadh bho Fiona anns a’ bhùth! Tha cairtean, seudrach agus barrachd aice…

    See more from Fiona in the shop, including cross stitch cards and jewellery!

  • Honest Coffins – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Honest Coffins – Gàidhlig air isle20

    Gaelic signs, driftwood jewellery and more!

    ‘S ann à Eilean Arain a tha John. Tha e ag obair le fiodh gus cisteachan a chruthachadh ach chan ann cisteachan a mhàin a tha e a’ deanamh.

    Tha John cuideachd a’ dèanamh soidhnichean agus seudradh fiodha!

    John from Honest Coffins is based in the Isle of Arran. He works with wood to produce coffins and caskets, but that’s not all he makes.

    John also crafts Scottish and Gaelic signs and wooden driftwood jewellery!

    Shut the door!

    I make various items in wood.  The timber I use is grown in Scotland, increasingly I am using wood from Arran that is milled by a friend just up the road from me.  The products will vary slightly according to the piece of wood used.  Feel free to contact me with suggestions, especially with Scottish and Gaelic sayings.  I’ve just started learning Gaelic so please provide a translation.

    John

    Dh’innse John dhuinn gu bheil e a’ feuchainn ri Gàidhlig ionnsachadh agus gu bheil e a’ cleachdadh beagan Gàidhlig gu laitheil agus air na tha e a’ dèanamh seach gur i cànan nan eilean a tha i!

    John told us that he’s learning Gaelic and trying to use it in daily life, even just to say madainn mhath & feasgar math. “It is important to keep Gaelic alive, it is the language of the isles.”

    Dè am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat?

    What’s your favourite Gaelic word?

    Ciste – coffin or chest, my dad from Ayrshire used it to mean a chest without ever realising that it was Gaelic.

    Chithear tuileadh bho John sa bhùth!

    You can see more Gaelic signs from John in the shop!

  • Marion Miller

    Marion Miller

    Marion Miller lives and works on her business Marion Miller Jewellery in Orkney. She is passionate about the natural world and that comes through in her beautiful jewellery designs.

    ‘The sea and shore never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Shapes in the sand, the outline of waves, beach finds, patterns on rocks and shells of course’. Lately Marion has become an obsessive shell collector which can be clearly seen in her newest additions to her isle20 shop.

    “There are so many shells on the beaches on my island. Some are more rare than others. I have started making shells in silver as one of a kind pieces. 

    “There is an element of artistic licence but I try to replicate them as I find them. I am excited to carry on and develop this project of handmade shells.”

    The last couple of years the challenge of trying to completely sell online has been huge but very rewarding. She has just finished a new Marion Miller Jewellery website and is always updating her isle20 shop too.

    As well as making beautiful jewellery Marion has a beef cattle farm and some sheep and she also works with Support for Learning in the Stronsay School.

    “Being an islander means always being adaptable to face and conquer the challenges that living on an island can present, not forgetting to mention the weather challenges too. The best thing about island life is the immense sense of freedom to be who you want to be and that your children can run free, there’s a wonderful sense of security being a part of a close knit community.” 

    Marion has set her sights on visiting Mull and Iona to experience a much different environment to that of Orkney.

    See the full collection
  • Natural Handmade Soap

    Natural Handmade Soap

    Why use natural handmade soap? 

    Enjoy the feel of artisan soaps and skincare, made using the finest sustainable ingredients. Natural bar soap not only lasts longer but is a great way of making an eco-friendly choice by reducing your plastic use in your home.

    Not only that but natural handmade soap is chemical and cruelty free, having much less impact on our environment.

    There is a FANTASTIC group of small soap and skincare businesses throughout the Scottish islands producing wonderful natural handmade soap from Lerwick to Lismore!

    Shepherd’s Cottage Soaps – Isle of Lismore

    Lauren has a range of gorgeous soaps that look as beautiful as they are to use. As well as her lovely soaps Lauren makes natural body butters all made with the finest ingredients and essential oils. If you can’t decide which natural bar soap you would like, the Essential Treat Gift Box is for you!

    Mella Handmade Soap – Unst, Shetland

    Melanie makes a range of gorgeous natural handmade soap, which are palm oil free. Botanical hand and body salves, shampoo bars and body scrubs. 

    Apothecary’s Garden in the Isle of Skye.

    Using seasonal botanicals hand foraged or grown in Skye, Janette makes handmade environmentally friendly soaps and shampoo bars.

    Here are some more handmade soaps and skincare made in the Scottish islands

    So, pamper yourself with natural handmade soap, body scrubs and butters, hand salves and shampoo bars all crafted with care in small batches from the Scottish islands.

    Shop for island soaps
  • Gift ideas for the women in your life

    Gift ideas for the women in your life

    Looking for gift ideas for a woman in your life? If the mum, granny, auntie or mother figure in your life loves the Scottish islands then you will find the perfect gift here.

    From chocolate and art to jewellery and journals, there’s something for every taste!

    This is just a small selection of gifts! For more gift ideas for Mother’s day head over to the shop… Or try these guides – Mother’s Day Jewellery, Candles for Mother’s Day or Build your own Mother’s Day hamper!

    Go to the shop
  • Pure Sweet Scottish Tablet

    Pure Sweet Scottish Tablet

    Buy Scottish tablet direct from island makers on isle20. No fudge here, just pure sweet tablet joy.

    Roses are red

    Violets are blue

    Scottish tablet is sweet

    And delicious too

    When is that small square of sweet irresistible deliciousness called fudge, and when is it called tablet?

    Some would say it doesn’t matter, they are both outrageously moreish sugary treats. When you buy Scottish tablet you will discover that it has a harder, almost (but crucially not) brittle, grainy texture. All of which enhances the joy of rolling it around one’s mouth. As such it is sumptuously different, and not to be confused with it’s softer, perhaps creamier cousin, fudge.

    Moreover, within the name ‘Scottish tablet’ reside a plethora of regional and family variations on the theme. Precious recipes passed along from granny to grandson, uncle to niece, shared friend to friend.

    As with shortbread, scones and bannocks, secret ingredients and methods abound within the realm of Scottish tablet making!

    Buy Scottish Tablet on isle20

    We cannot share the secrets held within their sumptuous creations here. But we can share our Scottish island makers’ scrumdiddlyumptious range of homemade offerings, via isle20 so that you can buy Scottish tablet and test it for yourself. Here’s a mouthwatering selection:

    Donnie’s Tablet Shed at Waternish in the Isle of Skye, is where Donnie creates batches of his unique melt-in-your-mouth Scottish tablet. He’s always happy to receive visitors to his shed, or to post gift-boxed tablet to your home. Donnie also offers a range of hampers and gift sets, so there’s something for everyone here.

    Up in Orkney, Jane and Paul of JP Orkney produce a wonderful selection of flavoured tablets. You can buy packets of chocolate, vanilla, coffee and cardamon flavoured tablet individually. Or take a look through their range of hampers filled with Orkney produce both sweet and savoury. Jams, chutneys, tablet, fatty cutties, star-shaped brownies and many more Orcardian treats can be included in your picnic hamper.

    Or how about a tipple with your tablet from Arran? The Tartan Tablet Company, use fine Scottish malts and specialist gins to create their tempting tablets. Choose two bags, or six small bags for your gift box, or you can go for a mighty 100 squares of any of the flavours! 

    These are a few of our favourite things.

    Head on over to the marketplace to see the full range!

  • What is isleHoliday and why are we doing it?

    What is isleHoliday and why are we doing it?

    You might have noticed us talking about a new project recently – isleHoliday.com

    Maybe you are wondering what it is and why we are doing it! Rhoda explains…

    Photo by Gary Ellis on Unsplash

    As isle20 developed, I decided it should be one of multiple projects under a social enterprise. So I formed Isle Develop CIC and started experimenting with new ideas to develop digital projects with islanders at their heart.

    I also started talking to community groups to figure out how we could make an impact — both with digital projects AND with any profits.

    People kept talking about the islands’ housing crisis. And I kept avoiding it. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand the housing issue, it was that it felt so big and so impossible.

    One day, I saw that a property with huge potential, which had been on the market for ages had dropped its price. I wondered to myself whether I could buy it, put it on a long term let and develop the associated buildings.

    So I did the maths and the research. I discovered that despite being able to get the mortgage (although I was unclear about where I would find the deposit!) I would be unable to make the mortgage repayments without subsidising it myself, unless it was set up as a short term holiday let.

    And that’s when something inside me snapped.

    isleHoliday

    Having joked about doing a version of isle20.com, but for holiday lets… it became less of a joke. Friends were willing to advise and help, the Isle Develop board were willing to take a risk on it, Firstport gave us some funding, and a year’s worth of work later…

    We’re taking on Airbnb. Because, if you can’t beat them — join them.

    isleholiday logo

    We have launched isleHoliday.com. A holiday lettings website for the Scottish islands. We will reinvest the commission we take into island communities, into creating jobs, and into supporting small businesses AND housing projects.

    Why start isleHoliday?

    We want to keep the commission local. We want more of the money earned because of the islands to stay in the islands. By listing island properties and taking bookings, we can do exactly that. More than that, we can tell our story to people who book through us. We can tell visitors what we want them to know — about our awesome communities, and our history and languages and culture, and even about the mobile signal and the passing places.

    We want to put faces to places and start to change the narrative from destination first, to community first.

    Visitors will have a better experience if we correctly set their expectations. Our islands are not empty wildernesses waiting to be discovered. They are full of beauty AND they contain people. They are full of heritage and history, and of present and, we hope, future. Those are gems well worth discovering.

    If you own a letting property in the islands

    Please consider listing with us – isleHoliday.com/list-with-us/.

    You don’t have to leave other platforms — this is simply an additional option.

    Even if you are booked up for 2022, we don’t don’t mind — 2023 isn’t far away!

    If you holiday in the islands

    Please sign up for our newsletter below to get regular updates.

    And if you can’t find something suitable (we’re just getting started) then please tell people about us. Thanks for being part of the journey – let’s where we end up next!

    Visit isleHoliday

    Subscribe to isleHoliday updates

    * indicates required

    Please select all the ways you would like to hear from us :

    You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

    We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here.

  • Gifts for Pet Lovers

    Gifts for Pet Lovers

    If you are looking for a gift for an animal lover, we’ve got you covered. At isle20 we have a great selection of FANTASTIC gifts for pet lovers. The best thing about buying a gift for a pet lover is that they will love it and their pet will too!

    We have searched the Scottish islands and have chosen a selection of gifts that you can give your pet loving pals.

    Doggy Poo Bag Holders

    Firstly, dog walking and pooper scooping has never looked so good with these gorgeous embroidered Harris Tweed doggy poo bag holders. Made by Pickleberry Studios in the Isle of Lewis, there are so many to choose from. There are so many gorgeous colours to choose from in beautiful Harris Tweed.

    Take a look at the whole range HERE.

    Ruth Slater Artist – Isle of Bute

    Ruth is an illustrator from the Isle of Bute, she does the most AMAZING drawings of wild animals and pets. So, for any pet lover a mug with an image of their favourite breed of dog is perfect. Here you will also find gifts for cat people too.

    Here are some of her products but there are more in her isle20 shop. If you would like to see Ruth’s whole range click HERE.

    More Gifts for Pet Lovers

    Finally, here’s a few extra gifts we think a pet lover would LOVE! Personalised pet gifts, collars and bowls from small businesses in the Scottish islands.

    Take a look in the isle20 shop for more gifts for pet lovers from the Scottish islands. There are so many great gifts and more.

    Shopping on isle20 is a great way to support small island businesses and to find really great, quality and unique gifts.

    Go to the shop
  • How you are helping: Tiree Crab Company

    How you are helping: Tiree Crab Company

    Meet Kirsty and Callum – starting a new seafood venture in Tiree!

    scoop

    Callum Williams and Kirsty Bennett from the Isle of Tiree took a huge step this year, opening a new retail outlet in Tiree for locally landed and sourced shellfish.

    It’s great to have support from another local business to help us grow and provide a year round service whilst working closely with other island producers.

    As well as selling shellfish they catch from their own boat, they have already expanded to sell a variety of great food products from across Argyll.

    Isle Develop CIC was delighted to award them one of our first grants towards the purchase of freezer equipment which would allow them to freeze stock – extending their season and making their business more sustainable year round.

  • How you are helping: Modren

    How you are helping: Modren

    Having struggled through the trials of 2020, Sandra MacLeod’s sewing machine broke down for the last time.

    Sandra runs Modren, making contemporary bags and accessories with heritage textiles.

    She knew that with a new and more modern machine she would be able to increase the speed she worked at, and open up more opportunities for new business, but was unable to raised the capital required.

    Isle Develop CIC contributed towards the cost of a new sewing machine, which as Sandra herself says, “is a game changer”.

    This couldn’t have come at a better time. My previous sewing machine was a proper workhorse, so finding out I’d ‘worked it to death’ really wasn’t welcome news. This grant was a lifeline.

    Sandra went on to tell us, “I knew its replacement needed to cope with some heavy duty sewing, but covid and Brexit had left the coffers pretty bare. The back up machines were struggling to do the work, and timeliness were stretching out as they were slow and cumbersome.

    “This grant was a lifeline. It meant I could actually not just recover my pace but improve it.

    “The new machine is both faster and stronger, while still being easy to use. It opens up batch manufacture as an option, extending the products I can make efficiently. This gives me a wider customer base, which addresses the seasonality we see in buying patterns for smaller items.

    “It’s also remarkably strong, meaning I can extend the products I’ve been making at the higher end using heavier leathers and more complex construction techniques. These bags tend not to be prone to seasonal purchasing, and help me extend into more premium markets.

    “An actual game changing grant, from the game changing phenomenon that is isle20.”

    Meet Modren’s Bags

  • Mairi M Martin

    Mairi M Martin

    Mairi M Martin Outer Hebrides Landscape Photography

    We are heading up to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides to meet photographer, Mairi M Martin. Her stunning Outer Hebrides landscape photography beautifully captures the mood and atmosphere of these wonderful islands.

    Mairi has spent 40 years capturing stunning images of her island home, first in film and then digitally. She works throughout the Western Isles, inspired by the ever changing light and amazing landscapes.

    Mairi’s photographs capture perfectly the magic and wild beauty of these our islands. They have the amazing ability to transport you there, even for just a moment. 

    Like many creative business owners the pandemic has been a massive challenge for Mairi. She has been dealing with the loss of revenue and not being able to get out and about to take beautiful photographs. However, as things are beginning to get back to normal, Mairi is getting back out with her camera. She is also making plans to teach photography evening classes again.

    Mairi is a passionate islander, living in the place she loves. Her home island is a constant source of inspiration and that passion really comes through in her wonderful images. One ambition she has is to visit Scarp, an island off Harris, we can’t wait to see the scenery she captures there!

    Mairi’s prints are available in her isle20 shop. They will make a fantastic addition to any home or office for someone who dreams of being in such beautiful locations.

    To see more of Mairi’s fabulous Outer Hebrides landscape photography you can visit her isle20 shop by clicking HERE.

  • Candles for Mother’s Day

    Candles for Mother’s Day

    Are you looking for a birthday or special gift? We have a wonderful selection of gorgeous scented candles for Mother’s Day. There are also beautifully scented reed diffusers and wax melts too.

    Candles are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day and we have so many scents to choose from – gorgeous island inspired coastal scents to warm and cosy spicy scents for a coorie atmosphere.

    Here are some of our favourites …..

    Lismore Luminations

    Lismore Luminations have a gorgeous range of scented candles and reed diffusers. Not only do they smell AMAZING they look fantastic too and would make a great addition to any home. 

    Isle of Lewis – Outlander inspired!

    Is your mum a fan of Outlander? Sandwick Bay Candles are based in Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis and have lovely scented candles for Mother’s Day inspired by Outlander.

    Candles from Mull

    Island Inspired Scents from the Isle of Tiree

    Need a reminder of island adventures and inspiration for future island trips? Then look no further than the range of coastal and island inspired scents from Tiree Sea Tours.

    So, there’s a gorgeous selection of scented candles for Mother’s Day that your mum will absolutely love. There are many more lovely candles for Mother’s Day to choose from and more gift inspiration in the isle20 shop – take a look.

    Is that enough to inspire you? Hopefully! Still looking? Let us help. Try this selection of sparkly jewellery, or what about building your own hamper!

    More Candles