Handmade bespoke Hebridean ...
The Spirit of the Hebrides£1500.00
“Crafted by Hand. Inspired by the Hebrides”
These unique chairs are handcrafted from reclaimed whisky barrels and inspired by the enduring icons of the Outer Hebrides, the Hebridean Chair is a rare fusion of luxury craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Each piece pays homage to timeless symbols of Scottish heritage: the Callanish Stones, the Lewis Chessmen, and the legendary Harris Tweed.
Award winner of a UK-wide upholstery design competition in 2020, the chair is recognised for its exceptional artistry, originality, and craftsmanship.
“A flawless masterpiece and a magnificent reminder of Scotland.” Dr. Otto, Germany
We are based between Edinburgh and the Isle of Lewis, our work is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and a deep connection to place.
Mike shapes each chair by hand, working with reclaimed whisky barrels whose rich depths and contours carry decades of character.
Cathy, a skilled upholsterer with Hebridean roots, finishes each piece with impeccable tailoring and an intuitive understanding of island tradition.
Harris Tweed has been part of Cathy’s life since childhood. She grew up preparing bobbins for her father, a weaver of the renowned clò mòr— ‘the big cloth' a testament to a craft passed down through generations. This legacy, interwoven with the landscape and history of the Highlands, lives at the heart of every Hebridean Chair.
The Design
Every Hebridean Chair is made to order, meticulously handcrafted and individually upholstered, ensuring that no two pieces are ever the same. The chair embodies the depth, mystery, and rugged beauty of the Hebridean landscape.
Callanish Stones – Sculptural Silhouette
The sculpted staves forming the chair back are inspired by the ancient Callanish Stones. Their imposing Neolithic presence—whether ceremonial, astronomical, or spiritual—has captivated the world for over 5,000 years. Their essence is distilled here into a contemporary, sculptural form.
Lewis Chessmen – Carved History
The seat carries impressions of the Lewis Chessmen, the enigmatic figures discovered on Uig Beach in 1831 and believed to have voyaged from medieval Norway. Their expressions, both solemn and otherworldly, lend the chair a sense of quiet mystery and historical prestige.
Lewis Castle Woodlands – A Timeless Touch
The glass rest is turned from locally sourced wood gathered from the historic Lewis Castle grounds in Stornoway—a rare and precious woodland on the island. Once curated by Sir James Matheson in the 19th century, these trees offer a unique provenance and exceptional character.
Harris Tweed – Woven Luxury
Each chair is upholstered in genuine Harris Tweed, handwoven exclusively in the Outer Hebrides and protected by Act of Parliament. The tweed is elegantly tailored into a sculptural kilt front—a refined detail that marries craftsmanship with cultural artistry.
Behind the kilt lies a discreet hidden cabinet, perfectly suited for small treasures or a personal drinks collection.
Find The Spirit of the Hebrides on social media