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Sometimes popular activities just fall into your lap, and that’s exactly what happened to me on a recent visit to Edinburgh as part of a work trip with a group of wonderful students from the USA.
We ended up making our own Harris Tweed bags at the well-known Islander workshop, tucked just off the Royal Mile.
At the time, I didn’t realise quite how popular this experience actually is. Since doing the workshop, I’ve seen it come up again and again… which you might be curious about too. So here’s the what, the how, and the why, without the fluff.
You can book to make your own Islander bag right here.
What Is Islander?
Islander is a Scottish brand known for its bags and accessories made with authentic Harris Tweed. Unlike souvenir shops that simply sell finished products, Islander also runs small, hands-on workshops where you get to make your own bag from start to finish.
This DIY approach has become really popular with visitors, as you get to pick exactly how you want your finished product to be.
There are a few different workshop spaces in Edinburgh, some smaller than others. We opted for the location in Canongate and was perfect for a group of more than 20 people.
Is Islander Good Quality?
Short answer: yes.
Without being a Harris Tweed expert, most of the local tour guides I met and asked on this trip had good things to say about the brand.
Islander bags are made using genuine Harris Tweed, which already sets a high baseline. In terms of what makes Harris Tweed special, it’s similar to how sparkling wine made outside the Champagne region can’t legally be called Champagne, or why Greek feta produced outside specific parameters is labelled as white cheese. Harris Tweed must be handwoven in Scotland from virgin wool in the Outer Hebrides. There is a whole law about it and everything.
You might now be wondering how well the bags actually last. Here, I’ll need a few years to return to this article with a long-term verdict, but so far, so good.
Once you finish your bag, you’re also given care instructions and a small care package, which includes spare screws in case any come loose over time.
Out of the 20 people in our group, one person did report a missing screw within 24 hours. That could be down to how tightly it was fitted during the workshop — or simply a minor quality issue.
In terms of everyday use, Islander bags are designed to be worn regularly. They’re meant for daily use rather than occasional wear, and based on my experience so far, the bag holds up well.
What to Expect from the Workshop
The workshop itself was straightforward and a little on the fast-paced side. First, you get an introduction to the space, the brand, and the different bag styles available.
You’re then given instructions for the specific product you’ve chosen to make. The mini satchel (which most of us made) is their most popular and budget-friendly option, but there are also larger options available, including backpacks and washbags.
The washbag was my initial choice, but once I learned it required almost three times as many screws and had fewer fabric options, I went back to the mini satchel.
I’m definitely happy with that decision, as it looks beautiful and feels easy to wear on a daily basis.
Since there were more than 20 people in our group, we took our time choosing the main colour of the bag body, the flap (where most of the pattern choices come in), the crossbody strap, and the top handle strap. Once decisions were made, we were handed a screwdriver and screws and got to work.
Putting the bag together is quite easy overall. The hardest part might be if you have very long nails and struggle to pick up or twist the screws.
When choosing your Harris Tweed, you’re given a short explanation of each pattern and its background. Some fabrics are inspired by landscapes or traditional colour combinations, while others are named after well-known figures, such as the Lady Diana tweed, which nods to Princess Diana.
I chose a chestnut herringbone tweed, which felt like a timeless, versatile option that works easily for everyday use.
Thankfully, the people running the workshop regularly come around to check everyone’s progress and help tighten things properly, so you don’t have to worry about the bag falling apart.
How Long Does It Take?
Altogether, the experience takes about one hour to complete the mini satchel. I’d allow a bit more time if you’re making one of the larger or more complicated designs.
Afterwards, you usually have time to browse accessories or look at some of their ready-made products.
The most time-consuming part of the whole process is definitely choosing the colour and fabric combinations, so it helps to arrive with a rough idea in mind if you can.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices depend on the bag style you choose, but expect to pay roughly in the £70–£95 range per person. Smaller or simpler bags sit at the lower end, while larger or more detailed designs cost more.
Considering you’re getting a hands-on experience and a finished Harris Tweed bag to take home, it feels reasonably priced — especially compared to buying a similar bag outright.
Anything Else You Need to Know
This experience was part of a work trip for me, and I got to share it with 20 wonderful ladies, but it was also already paid for. That said, I would absolutely do it again and recommend it to anyone travelling to Edinburgh.
The workshop can be booked directly through Islander or via GetYourGuide. If you’re travelling with a larger group, I’d strongly recommend booking in advance — every time I passed by the store, it seemed to be full of workshop participants. Slots definitely fill up fast.
If you are in Edinburgh for a few days or if this is your first visit, make sure to check out my article on 15+ completely free things you’ll want to do in the city, or this more comprehensive guide of 30+ ideas for things to do, plus overall suggestions when planning your trip.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting the UK
- Emergency: Dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire. 112 also works as an emergency number. English is spoken everywhere, so communication won’t be an issue in emergencies.
- Language: English is the main language across the UK. You may hear strong regional accents (especially in Scotland, Wales, Northern England, or Northern Ireland), but visitors generally won’t have trouble communicating.
- Currency: The UK uses the British Pound. Card payments are most common and a lot of food halls or shops don’t accept cash anymore. It’s only useful for random things like laundromats or certain markets.
- Transport: Uber operates in most major cities (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc.). Taxis are widely available and are usually metered, especially in cities. Trains connect the entire country and are fast but can be expensive if booked last-minute — booking in advance saves money. Buses are cheaper but slower. Renting a car is easy, especially outside London, but driving is on the left. I would not rent a car if you stay in one city. If you rent, check out Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is always my preferred first choice.
- Safety: The UK is generally considered safe for travelers. In recent years, phone snatching is quite common in London, so be extra careful when using your phone, especially near a road where motorbikes can come close.
- Tours & Activities: For city tours, day trips, museums, and experiences, platforms like GetYourGuide offer plenty of options, especially in London, Edinburgh, and major tourist hubs. Prices are higher than Eastern or Southern Europe, but tours are well organized and professional.
