Scottish Leather Craft: Tradition, Sustainability and Handmade Heritage

There is a moment many makers speak of, a quiet, almost unexplainable turning point when something simply clicks.For Simon Harvey Potts, that moment happened not in Scotland, but in the sunlit streets of Granada in southern Spain. Surrounded by artisans, guided by generous hands, and working with leather for the very first time, he discovered what would become his life’s work.In this episode of Crafting Scotland, Simon takes us on a journey from those early, self-taught beginnings — learning traditional hand-stitching techniques and travelling across Europe — to becoming the owner and master maker behind Mackenzie Leather in Edinburgh.What unfolds is not just a story about leatherwork, but about the deeper meaning of craft itself.We explore the balance between creativity and tradition. The freedom of designing organically with the material, and the discipline of mastering time-honoured techniques. Simon shares how these two worlds have shaped his work, allowing him to create pieces that are both expressive and enduring.At the heart of the conversation lies a powerful idea: that craft is not only about making objects, but about sustaining knowledge, culture, and connection.From the use of oak bark–tanned leather — a process rooted in centuries-old, sustainable practices — to the endangered art of sporran making, Simon reflects on what it truly means to carry a tradition forward in the modern world.And perhaps most importantly, we talk about people: the makers, the learners, and the curious travellers who step into a workshop not just to buy, but to understand.Because when you meet the maker, something changes. The object becomes a story. And the story becomes part of you.This is episode comes right out of the workshop environment of Mackenzie Leather. It transports us into the heart of the business with its sounds and muffled conversations, highlighting the importance of maker-customer relationships. To find out more about Mackenzie Leather, their product range of luxury leather goods and where to visit them in Edinburgh, check out their website or follow them on Instagram. Time flew by talking to Simon and he stands testament together with his wife Elena, who in Simon’s own words is his anchor, the dreamer, the optimist, the driving passion, the flow and the creative force behind the brand. I sincerely hope, you enjoy listening to this deep conversation as much as I had recording it. As always, thank you for listening to the podcast. I would love to know what you’re taking away from this episode.If you are a crafter in Scotland and would like to be a guest on this podcast, then please complete this short form - https://form.typeform.com/to/kUUWIPfRTo stay in touch and find out about upcoming guests then visit me over on Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/devinetoursofscotland/In case this inspires you not only to be more creative but also plan a holiday in Scotland and would like a little help with planning your trip or even like me to guide you in part or for the entire duration of your stay, then check out my website and use the contact form to get in touch - https://devinetoursofscotland.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com