For six decades, the Scottish Crookmakers Association has been a stalwart of the Royal Highland Show, representing the very epitome of Scottish heritage and craft.
Their presence at Ingliston dates back to when the show found its permanent home there, and ever since, the association has played a vital role in showcasing one of Scotland’s oldest rural traditions.
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For Kate, crook making is woven into both her personal story and her family history. With farming roots stretching back to Turriff and Portsoy, agricultural shows have always been part of life. She and her husband Robert Elliot – who is Chair of the Association - have spent the past 30 years attending shows across Scotland, describing the circuit as something of a travelling holiday, a chance to reconnect with familiar faces year after year and celebrate a shared way of life.
The sense of continuity is at the heart of the Scottish Crookmakers Association. Kate’s grandfather was one of its founding members and began teaching crook making night classes in Lockerbie in 1964, recognising even then the importance of passing on traditional skills. Today, that legacy continues through dedicated tutors and a thriving membership of more than 400 makers across the country and beyond.
The Royal Highland Show remains, in Kate’s words, the showpiece of Scotland. With strong footfall through the halls each year, the association’s stand consistently draws attention. Visitors are fascinated by the daily demonstrations where skilled makers bring crooks to life, shaping horn handles and crafting wood with care and precision. Watching the process unfold offers a rare glimpse into a heritage craft that is both practical and artistic
Demonstrations do more than entertain, they inspire people too. Many who stop to watch leave with a newfound appreciation for the craft, and some are even encouraged to try it themselves. When people see the process up close it sparks curiosity, particularly among younger generations who may never have encountered crook making before.
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For the Scottish Crookmakers Association, the Royal Highland Show is more than an event. It is a meeting place, a platform and a celebration of a living tradition. As they prepare to return once again, their focus remains to be all about promoting this cultural and artisan craft, to connect with people face to face and to ensure that this enduring part of Scotland’s heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
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