They work on silver and goldsmiths' benches, on knitting needles or machines, on looms, potters' wheels or canvas. The Highlands are the setting for brilliant ceramics, clever jewellery pieces and where weaving and knitwear reflects the tones of moor, mountain and sky.

Designer knitwear and tweeds are available at a number of outlets in the area - and if you want to go for a full-scale Highland costume, then there are a number of specialist outfitters, notably in the Inverness area.

As for the range of crafts, it virtually includes every medium. Distinctively-styled pottery, stoneware gold and silverwork, are all available. Caithness, in particular, has lent its name to a particular type of glassware - still available although the Wick factory has now closed.

You can even find a company specialising in soaps and colognes. Another works in stainless steel, another in stained glass. There are candlemakers, hornworkers, musical instrument makers and furniture specialists. Check out this variety by visiting Beauly, west of Inverness. There, Made in Scotland displays the very best of crafts from the Highlands.