Night

Sanquhar knitting is traditional way of knitting still practiced in the small village of Sanquhar along the River Nith in Dumfries and Galloway. At the A the Airts Centre you will partake in a presentation on the traditional Sanquhar pattern. You will enjoy a demonstration of hand-knitting of Sanquhar Gloves and see how the pattern are crafted to the finished product on their knitting machines. A’ The Airts are providing a platform for local artists and crafters to sell their works either in our shop or during exhibitions held in the Gallery.

Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh (Inverclyde Waulking Song Group) came together in 2000 to perform and keep alive the traditional Gaelic songs which in former times accompanied daily work in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Waulking is the technique of finishing newly woven cloth by soaking it and beating it to shrink and soften it. In the days before the job was taken over by machinery, songs were used to keep the rhythm, and to lighten the hard work. For the women-folk who took part it was an enjoyable social occasion, with plenty of fun and gossip. Sgioba Luaidh re-create the process in authentic, and often hilarious fashion.