made in scotland
| Leather-making
Words and photos by JEREMY FLINT
HIDE & SEEK Traditional saddlery techniques are still being used in Scotland today, and you can see the art of leather-making in action – if you know where to look
C ABOVE: The firm’s products are imprinted with a Mackenzie logo RIGHT: Simon HarveyPotts busy at work creating a Book Bag
reating leather products has been a tradition in Scotland for centuries, where leather has been manufactured to meet home demand as well as a large export trade. Edinburgh has always been at the heart of leather manufacture in Scotland, where its tanneries, skins and products have developed significantly since the production of leather articles during the late 18th century, when shoes, saddles, snuffboxes and even drinking mugs were made. Today, the leather industry in Scotland still thrives, and Simon Harvey-Potts is living proof. I met this exceptional master craftsman, who specialises in making the finest leather goods, at his workshop on St Mary’s Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just off the Royal Mile.
The beautiful, bespoke leather products are designed, made and sold exclusively in store, where visitors can see items being worked on 38 Scotland
Simon and his team of skilled artisans (Ed Fernley and Andrew Dunn) at Mackenzie Leather craft these exquisite articles entirely by hand, using the most superior sourced hides from select tanneries across Europe. “We are makers of timeless, classic leather goods ranging from briefcases, travel bags, shoulder bags and much more. Our attention to detail and craftsmanship ensures that we provide a quality item either made to order or off our shelf that will last a lifetime,” says Simon. The beautiful, bespoke leather products are designed, made and sold exclusively in store, where visitors can enjoy a glimpse into the craft through the open-view workshop at the back of the showroom. Simon says: “You can come into our shop, watch our craftsmen at work and see our items being made in front of you. If you see a bag in stock but would like it in another colour, we can get hides for you to view, and you can pick your own, having the bag made for you.” Simon considers himself lucky to have found his calling during a gap year travelling around Europe in the early 2000s. Simon’s journey into leather work began when he met some local leather artisans at a shop in Andalucía, Spain.
