Pentlands Open Studios 2025-26

Aim

We connect artists with each other and the local community and attract visitors into the area through an annual open studios art trail.

Making a Difference: How POSt Benefits the Community

Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) is a new artist-led initiative bringing creativity and community together in the upper valley of the Water of Leith. Nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills in the southwest of Edinburgh, our group of professional artists and makers works across a wide range of media and craft disciplines.

Our flagship event is an annual Art Trail weekend. In addition, we will run cultural events bringing professional artists to meet the community.

Introducing the Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail

Our first Open Studios Trail will take place over the weekend of 30–31 August 2025, 10am-4pm each day.

This exciting weekend will offer visitors the chance to step inside local studios, meet the artists, and see behind the scenes of their creative processes.

But the Art Trail is just the beginning. Throughout the year, we’ll also host artist talks, hands-on workshops, and other community arts events, creating new opportunities for connection and learning.

The Community Benefits

POSt is about more than just art. It’s about strengthening our community. Here’s how:

• Connecting Artists
  Artists and makers, many of whom work alone, now have the chance to become part of a creative network.
• Inspiring Visitors
  Attendees will enjoy direct conversations with artists, gaining insight into their techniques, materials, and creative journeys.
• Bringing Culture to the Community
  The Art Trail and related events will enrich local life with fresh cultural experiences.
• Boosting Local Businesses
  Increased visitor numbers will bring new customers to nearby cafes, shops, and services.

We’re especially passionate about helping reduce loneliness and social isolation—something we know is a challenge for many, particularly older members of our community. And because we recognise the financial pressures many are facing, all our events will be free to attend. We want everyone to feel welcome.

Rooted in the Local Area

POSt is entirely volunteer-run by artists living and working in Colinton, Juniper Green, and Currie.

This year’s trail features 10 studio venues and 18 artists, with more expected in future years. Studios stretch along the Water of Leith through Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie, and Balerno.

Our organising committee consists of six professional artists, each with a studio right here in the local area.

Expanding Spaces, Growing Opportunities

In addition to our artist-owned studios, we’re grateful for the support of local partners who’ve offered unique public spaces for the Art Trail. A highlight this year is the Victorian greenhouse at Malleny Garden, a National Trust for Scotland property—giving visitors a chance to enjoy both art and nature.

Visitor-Friendly and Inclusive

We’re making every effort to ensure a welcoming and accessible experience for everyone:

• Public Liability Insurance: All studios and the event as a whole will be fully covered.
• Accessibility Information: The printed brochure and website will clearly indicate which studios are wheelchair accessible and which are dog-friendly.
• Transport Options: We’ll share detailed info on public transport links and encourage the use of the Water of Leith Walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.

Building Momentum

In the lead-up to the big weekend, our marketing campaign is ramping up:

• An expanded website featuring a dedicated page for each artist, helping visitors plan their routes and choose which studios to explore.
• A feature article with trail maps and studio highlights in the latest issue of the C&B News (July/August edition).

We’re excited to welcome visitors old and new to discover the creative energy of the Pentlands area!

Rewards you could grab!

There are a number of awards available for various levels of donation which you can choose before you donate. Scroll down below the project description and select the one you want. Each reward is donated to our cause by one of the artists taking part in the Art Trail 2025.

 Gill Walton

Jenny Matthews

 Jade Stout

Jennie Loudon

Liza Green

Jacqueline Watt

Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson

How Your Donation Will Make a Difference

Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led initiative. Every penny raised goes directly towards making this community event happen and keeping it free and accessible for everyone.

Right now, our biggest focus is raising awareness so as many people as possible know about the Art Trail Weekend (30–31 August 2025).

Here’s how your support can help:

• £10 – Helps us print posters to display in local shops and community noticeboards, spreading the word where it matters most.
• £45 – Funds an outdoor railing banner, catching the eye of passers-by in the villages and encouraging them to join the trail.
• £50 – Keeps our website running for another year, with a dedicated page for each artist/maker, helping visitors plan their experience.
• £100 – Distributes 100 leaflets across Edinburgh, ensuring no one misses out.
• £150 – Pays to hire a venue for putting on an artist talk or workshop.
• £170 – Covers the essential event insurance, keeping our artists and visitors safe.
• £200 – Allows us to hire a professional artist to present a talk or workshop in the community.
• £300 – Pays for the Brochures to be printed telling you about each artist and where to find them so that you can plan your route.

Future Plans: Growing Impact, Growing Costs

As POSt grows, so too will our reach and impact—but also our costs.

Looking ahead, we plan to run Artist Talks and Creative Workshops, which will involve venue hire and paying artists at union rates for their time and expertise.

With more artists and more venues expected in future Art Trails, we’ll need greater resources to support our expanding program.

Your donation—big or small—helps build a stronger, more connected, and more creative community here in the Pentlands. Grab the rewards donated by the artists before they are all gone!

Follow us on Instagram and sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to hear.

@pentlandsopenstudios

POStudios.org

Thank you for being part of making this happen.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made