Baskets are functional, beautiful, full of colour and add texture and warmth to any space. The willow rods used to make these baskets grows well here on the Isle of Skye, without any pesticides, fertiliser or watering required.

Each basket is unique and depends on the capabilities of the willow, always different and unknown before I begin to weave.  I can try and replicate similar baskets, but both the growing and drying conditions will influence the rods, and vary from year to year. There is no waste when these baskets are made. Any scraps of willow are used up as kindling, woven into smaller items, or composted here on the croft. These baskets will decompose fully at the end of their lives, returning to the earth. Some baskets can be repaired several times.

Occasionally other plants, or plant material, are woven into these baskets, for example driftwood, or cordage from grasses and flowers foraged from the croft. During winter the willow is harvested by hand, and new beds can be planted. We manage the croft that we live on here on the Isle of Skye for biodiversity, with native trees, wildflowers, hedges and ponds. We also grow some food for ourselves, process our own firewood and have a small tree nursery with native trees, hedging and fruit trees for sale.

I grow many varieties of willow, some doing better than others in this challenging environment with its acidic soils and salt laden winds. I also use willow from willow growers in other parts of Scotland.