Campaign to revive The Scottish Craft Centre

During the 1950s,1960s and 1970s the Scottish Craft Centre at Acheson House was a place where the best of Scottish craftwork could be seen and appreciated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. For long years it has stood empty. It had problems with asbestos -a popular building material when the house was first restored- but these we believe have now been resolved. In the last ten years and more the City of Edinburgh Council have been considering whether to extend the adjacent Huntly House Museum into the building. It remains empty meantime.

But Scottish Crafts need a showcase: somewhere simple, austere, and central like Acheson House that can be run inexpensively with a volunteer staff.

Here is how The Scottish Craft Centre first introduced itself, in the Living Traditions of Scotland booklet and exhibition at the time of the Festival of Britain in 1951.

“Scottish Crafts need somewhere simple, austere and central like Acheson House that can be run inexpensively with a volunteer staff.”

Scottish Potters Association exhibition organiser:

Jane Kelly: Penicuik Pottery at Valleyfield House

17 High Street Penicuik EH26 8HS

tel: 01968 677854 email: Jane.Kelly2@virgin.net

Scottish Potters exhibition website www.pottery.makers.org.uk/stirling

At Cromarty with Scottish Potters & Basketmakers.

Campaign to revive the SCOTTISH CRAFT CENTRE