World Hope Forum Scotland
In December, from our farm in Linlithgow, I had the joy of curating World Hope Forum Scotland: Reshaping Traditions, Retelling Stories: an online gathering celebrating the richness of Scotland’s creative landscape.
As part of the global World Hope Forum, founded by Li Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano, the event brought together a thoughtful group of Scottish makers, artists, and storytellers to share their work, their paths, and their hopes for the future.
Scotland is a land shaped by makers and storytellers, a place where landscape, lore and lived experience weave themselves into every craft. From the ancient rhythms of wool working and weaving to the contemporary voices redefining art, design, and culture today, our creative spirit has always been rooted in tradition while reaching restlessly toward the new. It is something I have always felt deeply, both in my own life and through the work we do here at Future Vintage.
When I was invited to serve as Scottish Ambassador for the World Hope Forum and to curate a special edition focused on Scotland, it felt like a real privilege. Bringing together people whose work I admire, many of whom I have followed for years, and placing them in conversation with one another was a genuine joy.
World Hope Forum Scotland: Reshaping Traditions, Retelling Stories became a space to listen, reflect, and celebrate. The afternoon brought together artists, makers, writers, and advocates whose practices honour lineage while imagining new possibilities. Though each works in a different medium, all share a deep care for material, place, and people, and a belief that craft and culture still matter in shaping how we live.
It was particularly meaningful to hear from photographer David Eustace, whose work has long explored identity, time, and the quiet poetry of observation. His reflections moved gently between personal experience and broader cultural shifts, reminding us how powerful it can be to slow down and truly look.
Textiles, unsurprisingly, wove their way through many of the conversations. Erin McQuarrie spoke beautifully about working slowly with fibre, using ancient techniques as a way to respond thoughtfully to contemporary life.
James Donald of PickOne shared his commitment to weaving with Scottish-grown materials and to passing on skills through teaching and open access to looms, ensuring that knowledge remains shared and alive.
Story and voice were central, too. Morvern Graham brought folklore and landscape into the room, speaking about gathering stories from the places that shape us and carrying them forward through performance and visual work. Listening to her was a reminder that storytelling remains one of our most powerful forms of connection.
Susan Anderson reflected on her journey founding The Journal of Scottish Yarns, creating a platform to celebrate Scottish textiles, makers and materials with care and curiosity. Her work bridges history and the present day, ensuring that important stories continue to be told.
Carola Akindele-Obe added a wider lens, speaking about craft communities, collective histories and the importance of nurturing relationships between makers across borders, cultures and generations.
Food also formed part of the conversation through Bryde Dixon, whose work as an organic grower and chef speaks to food as one of our most direct relationships with the land. Her perspective brought everything back to nourishment, reminding us that care for soil, body and community are deeply intertwined.
What stayed with me most was the generosity of the group. There was a shared openness, a willingness to listen, and a quiet sense of hope that felt both grounded and sincere. Bringing these voices together felt like a small but meaningful act, one that reflects the values we hold close at Future Vintage: care, connection, and respect for the land and its stories.
If you weren’t able to join us live, you can watch the full recordings above.
I hope it offers you the same sense of inspiration and warmth that it gave me.
