Drawing by ANNABEL WRIGHT.

CONTEMPORARY quality Scottish crafts at a realistic price is often a

contradiction. At least it certainly is in the cities.

But if you are prepared to travel a little distance to the Aldessan

Gallery set in the delightful Clachan of Campsie you will find excellent

work by young Scots designers at affordable prices.

I liked, in particular, the work of Maralyn Reed-Wood of Shards, from

Bridge of Weir. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art, her work has

already been selected for sale at Scotland's Museum of Modern Art in

Edinburgh and her new winter collection of golden lace earrings (#18),

brooches (#16), and necklaces (#33) make covetable collectors' items.

For fun jewellery take a look at the work of Silvana McLean from

Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, who makes brightly painted wooden children's

brooches. But they are also delightful gifts for women of all ages who

want to introduce some humour into their dressing. Price #3.50 each.

Tasteful stocking-fillers are almost impossible to find. Usually they

are cheap and nasty. But you'll find an attractive range in the Aldessan

Gallery from wooden thistle top wine cork men at #1.45 to ceramic

trinket holders at #2 and scented candles in attractive tins at #1.75.

And popular with the very young are the wooden rattles at #4.40.

An old favourite but worth mentioning again are the silver and black

Celtic design coasters by Rollo of Stirling. The latest range is based

on the design on the stone of St Madoes at Glencarse in Perthshire. #10

for six coasters or #24 for table mats.

Elizabeth Miller from Paisley lived in Hong Kong for several years

before returning to Scotland and the Oriental influence is clearly seen

in her delicate and intricate evening handbags at #20.

One of the latest finds by the gallery is the work of Andrew Norman

from Hawick who makes individual hand-made ceramic Scottish landscape

brooches, each one a small work of art. Price #10 each.

Salt lovers will appreciate the terracotta hand thrown salt pot

complete with special ladle for #4.50.

Ceramic wall pockets by Marjorie Hall offer an unusual method of

displaying dried flowers. Price #9.50.

Buying presents for men poses the biggest problem of all at Christmas.

If you want to avoid the obligatory shirt, tie, hankies, sweaters,

aftershave or bottle of port/whisky syndrome then consider a small

sculpture in his favourite sport, anything from golf to skiing or

cycling.

Alternatively, if he is a doctor, dentist or psychiatrist then pick

one of the sculptures depicting his profession. Prices from #5 to #15.

* The Aldessan Gallery is open every day except Thursday from 11am-5pm

(including Sunday). How to get there: after Torrance take the A891 low

road to Lennoxtown and Strathblane. Clachan of Campsie is on the right.