Many designers are inspired by the Highlands of Scotland with the colours and shapes influencing textiles, jewellery, glass and ceramics. One of the most unusual materials used, however, must be the one chosen by designer MARIE ANN WEIR

GILES SUTHERLAND reflects on the artistic collaboration between Dornoch-based printmaker Ian Westacott and his fellow Australian Raymond Arnold.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, 20 May – 26 June 2005

BILL BANKES-JONES sets the scene for an intriguing operatic collaboration involving his opera company, Tête à Tête, and knitters and spinners on Shetland.

Kilmorack Gallery, by Beauly until Friday 20 May 2005

CAROL DUNBAR reflects on an exhibition of new and recent work by Lorriane Besant, and wider issues in the perception of ‘arts’ and ‘crafts’.

PETER URPETH reports on the latest developments in the ongoing Sail Loft Project in Stornoway.

In January 2005 Scottish maker, BETH LEGG, took part in a group exhibition entitled ‘Contemporary Objects from Edinburgh’ which was displayed in Kyoto and Tokyo. Beth reports on the exhibition.

As knitting becomes the latest craze, Jane Moncrieff’s project could mean that Shetland becomes one of the ‘cool’ destinations this year. TINA ROSE reports.

The Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre in Lochmaddy celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. FIONA PEARSON reminisces over the last decade