Amy McCusker, is founder of WeeBox, Scotland’s global subscription box. Here, she tells why the Scottish Trade Fair is a key event in her calendar

“THERE are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward,” said Khalil Gibran. I find that no matter what form your generosity takes, it adds something to the world. 

Whether it makes someone’s day, smooths their path or just makes them smile, you’ve given something of yourself that is greater than anything it could have cost.

Giving has always been part of my make up. As a wee girl I was forever making cards for my family, creating special gift wrapping for friend’s birthday gifts and making gifts when I didn’t have enough pocket money to buy something from the shop!

This is why WeeBox never seems like work to me – giving is such a joy and giving a little piece of Scotland to those who dream of visiting is even more special.

I am always on the lookout for new and exciting treasures and makers to share with our global WeeBox audience. 

While finding new makers is important, equally vital is maintaining and strengthening connections with existing makers who our subscribers have come to love and support as much as we do. 

This makes the Scottish Trade Fair a key event in our calendar, marking an important opportunity to immerse ourselves in the heart of Scotland’s thriving creative community. 

Amy is pictured with Mark Saunders, Director of Springboard Events, who has been at the helm of the Trade Fair for many years

This year’s Autumn show was held on the 18th and 19th of August at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, once again providing a valuable space to connect with both familiar and new makers, gather inspiration and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. Every visit is a chance to recharge our creative batteries and to witness firsthand the innovation and dedication of Scotland’s best artisans. 

The atmosphere at these shows is both lively and intimate, perfectly suited to the kind of creative conversations that the Trade Fair fosters.

Unlike larger trade shows, the Autumn show allows for the kind of engagement that is essential to understanding the stories behind the products that I curate for WeeBox. 

As well as discovering new treasures, it’s also about sustaining and deepening the relationships I’ve built over the years with existing makers, as well as opening the door to fresh talents whose work is sure to delight our global subscribers. 

I had the opportunity to catch up with Mark Saunders, Director of Springboard Events, who has been at the helm of the Trade Fair for many years. 

Mark and his team have a remarkable talent for curating an event that feels more like a gathering of old friends than a business fair. 

This sense of community is one of the most compelling aspects of the Scottish Trade Fair. It’s a place where like-minded individuals come together, united by a shared passion for Scottish craftsmanship. 

This month, I had the opportunity to reconnect with many of our current WeeBox makers, whose work continues to inspire us and delight our subscribers around the world. Amy Britton of Amy Britton Harris Tweed Accessories was there, showcasing her latest collection. 

Amy’s pieces are always a hit inside WeeBox, blending the rich tradition of Harris Tweed with modern, stylish designs with the environment at their heart. 

Amy shared: ‘Two Amy’s are always better than one. Together we’ve created a partnership, attended New York Tartan Week together, promoted new products, bonded with WeeBox subscribers and I love working with Amy McCusker.  Sending a wee piece of Scotland worldwide with WeeBox is highly recommended.’

Karen from Gist Jewellery was there as well, with her always exquisite handcrafted pieces that never fail to impress. The show is a great opportunity to discuss new items and exciting things coming to WeeBox very soon! 

I also had the opportunity to continue a new tradition with our makers with a photo call, bringing together makers we have worked with for years as well as makers we are just starting our relationship with. 

This time, we brought together Karen and Amy, as well as Chris from Glen Appin of Scotland, whose items are consistently among our subscribers’ favourites. 

Blair from Maccessori and Simon of Earth Squared joined too, both of whom have provided beautifully crafted accessories for our Clan. 

Lynne from Lin-Pin Crafts, Natalie from Jackton Art, and Paul from Glenna Studios - all of whom have been integral partners over the years.  Meeting new makers is always one of the highlights of the Trade Fair, and this year I was thrilled to discover some truly exciting new talents. 

Amy with Amy Britton of Amy Britton Harris Tweed Accessories at New York Tartan Week this year

The Unravelling stood out with their innovative approach to traditional Scottish crafts, bringing a fresh perspective to time-honoured techniques. 

Gather Homeware caught my attention with their commitment to sustainability and style, offering beautifully designed home goods that I know would be a great fit for a future WeeBox. 
Strings and Dreams introduced us to their handcrafted tableware and candles and in particular an

Andy the Highlander candle - our dear pal and internet tour guide sensation. The conversations I have with these makers are as valuable as the treasures themselves. 

The smaller scale of the autumn event allows for more in-depth conversations, providing us with a deeper understanding of the creative processes, challenges, and inspirations behind each brand. 
This kind of engagement is crucial for WeeBox. It ensures that every gift I choose is not just a product, but a piece of a larger story that we are proud to share with our subscribers. 

Beyond the immediate benefits of discovering new products and renewing partnerships, the Scottish Trade Fair also offers a unique perspective on the current state of the Scottish economy, particularly in relation to small businesses and artisans. In these challenging economic times, the resilience and creativity of Scottish makers are more important than ever. 

Events like the Trade Fair play a crucial role in supporting these businesses, providing them with a platform to showcase their work, connect with new customers, and forge valuable industry relationships. 

The quality of the conversations and the level of engagement at this year’s fair were a testament to the strength and vitality of Scotland’s creative sector, even in the face of economic uncertainty. 

Mark Saunders said: “The gift market in Scotland is broadly in good shape at the moment.

However, some nuance is required here. Anything tourism related is strong as visitor numbers to Scotland are good once again this year. 

“For gift shops relying on a domestic audience business is not quite so robust. Consumer budgets are still under pressure which is holding sales back. 

“This was reflected at the show with suppliers who target the tourist market performing well.

There were plenty of new companies participating and product innovation on show and a conveyor belt of fresh products is always important to satisfy buyers”.

WeeBox has been attending the Scottish Trade Fair for the last nine years, and it has become an essential part of our journey.  This year’s event has left me inspired and full of ideas for the future. 

We’ve already discovered some exciting new makers to watch, and we’re eager to introduce them to our WeeBox family in the future. 

As always, I remain committed to celebrating the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and craftsmanship, and I look forward to sharing these treasures with our subscribers, both old and new. 

Each time I visit, the Scottish Trade Fair proves itself to be a true celebration of all that makes Scotland special, and I continue to be proud that WeeBox is a part of it. n

If you are a Scottish maker and want to get involved with WeeBox email hello@weebox.co.uk