Scotland's craft industry : quality not quantity

Moar, Lyle (1982) Scotland's craft industry : quality not quantity. Quarterly Economic Commentary, 8 (1). pp. 28-37. ISSN 0306-7866

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Abstract

Throughout Scotland there are a large number of small craft enterprises such as potters, weavers, jewellers and the like. The success of these ventures has given an added boost to the tourism industry in Scotland, as suggested by Harvie, and is a good example of indigenous skills replacing foreign imports. Indeed the proliferation of craft enterprises is itself an indication of their success. However tourism, whilst important, cannot fully explain the rejuvenation of crafts over the recent past in Scotland. Harvie, for example, implies thatnot only has the potential for import substitution been recognised but also that consumption patterns themselves have changed. Society appears to have a different set of values and aspirations. The aim of this Brief is to describe the current structure of the craft industry in Scotland emphasising the historical associations which have provided a sound springboard from which to promote and market a wide range of modern craft products. Finally it is intended to discuss some issues relating to the future of the craft manufacturing units, bearing in mind that not only are they vulnerable to changes in consumer tastes but also to the economic pressures which determine the ability of all firms to survive in a commercial and competitive market place.

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