Art in nature across Scotland
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Shetland Ponies Fivla and Vitamin pose with their beautifully knitted jumpers for the Year of Natural Scotland celebrations
Painters, musicians, artists, writers and innovators have used Scotland's natural landscape as a source of inspiration and a canvas to create works of art for generations. The Year of Natural Scotland follows hot on the heels of celebrating the country's cultural and creative diversity during the Year of Creative Scotland. Discover how art and nature work so well together through outdoor art, traditional crafts and textiles and explore the many creative trails across the country.
Natural textiles and crafts
We've got our very own Shetland pony ambassadors who are helping promote the Year of Natural Scotland with beautifully created cardigans, made just for them. Ponies Fivla and Vitamin from the Thorndale Shetland Driving Centre, strike a pose with their new winter woolies. Local knitter Doreen Brown created these knitted jumpers from Shetland wool. Why not find out more about art and culture across Shetland?
Unique to the Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed is the only known fabric in the world to be governed by its own Act of Parliament. Visit one of the mills to discover the fascinating story of how the textile is made. The 1993 Act states that Harris Tweed is only that which is "handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides".
Literature/film/art
Scotland’s landscape has provided the backdrop for many blockbuster films, from Braveheart and Brave to Rob Roy, the James Bond thriller, Skyfall, and many others.
Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest literary figures regularly featured the country’s scenery in his novels. Loch Katrine was the inspiration for his famous poem, The Lady of the Lake. Learn more about his connections to the Scottish Borders.
The ninth annual Glasgow Film Festival takes places across the city between 14 - 24 February and features a packed programme of screenings. The event also includes four other festivals - short film, youth, music and film and frightfest.
Scotland was a huge influence to national bard, Robert Burns and every January, his life and work is marked across the country. This includes a Burns Night celebration and a Burns Supper, where his poetry is recited and haggis, neeps and tatties are enjoyed.
Outdoor art
Get closer to art and nature in Dumfries & Galloway and marvel at Andy Goldsworthy's Striding Arches - red sandstone arches situated on the hills around Cairnhead.
If you're visiting the Isle of Mull, don't miss the beautiful sculpture woodland, Calgary Art in Nature.
