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Top 10 Reasons to Visit the POSt Art Trail 2026

Explore the Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) Art Trail. It’s located in the upper valley of the Water of Leith between the villages of Balerno and Colinton. Visit us on 15–16 August.

Here are ten reasons to come, and they are not just the 12 magnificent open studios housing 24 professional artists, plus Tiphereth Print Studio!

1. Twelve venues along the Water of Leith

Explore twelve working studios and venues along the upper valley of the Water of Leith, each filled with creativity, character and craftsmanship. Find the map on our website or pick up a booklet any studio or from our Information Hubs at Juniper Green Village Hall or Tiphereth. Spot our marshals in their branded hi-viz jackets.

2. Step inside the creative mind

Get behind-the-scenes access to the tools, materials and inspirations that shape each artist’s work.

Gill Walton, Venue 6

3. Meet the makers

Talk to the artists and makers in person. Learn about their process, their stories and what drives their creativity.

Jacqueline Watt, Venue 4

4. Explore the Pentlands

Take the scenic route through hills, farmland and riverside as you travel to visit studios in beautiful, unexpected places.

Sandra Vick, Venue 11

5. Buy direct from the studio

There’s something special about buying directly from where it was made. Every piece has a story, and now you’re part of it.

Cordula Marks Venters, Venue 3

6. Discover artist dolls and artist books

Really intriguing works you won’t have seen before. It’s artwork that’s personal, handmade and completely unique.

Jenny Loudon, Venue 9
Liza Green, Venue 10

7. Stamps mean prizes

Visitors who follow the Trail and collect stamps at most of our studios can enter our prize draw. Prizes are vouchers to spend with a POSt 2026 artist of your choice. But it’s free to enter, so give it a go.

8. Furnish your home with art

From paintings to jewellery to ceramics, discover pieces that will make your space truly one of a kind.

Anne Gatherar, Venue 7

9. Every studio is a surprise

Art Trail stops range from a National Trust Scotland Victorian greenhouse to kitchen tables. No two are the same, and every visit is an adventure.

Sue Shields, Venue 3
Saskia Gavin, Venue 9
Saskia Gavin, Venue 9

10. Support independent artists

Your visit, your chats and your purchases all support 24 talented artists, plus Tiphereth Print Studio — brilliant creative businesses spread across the villages of the upper valley of the Water of Leith.

Pen Reid, Venue 8

Do you live outside our area, or have friends that do? We’re not that far away! We’ve pulled together some estimated driving times from major places within three hours — we’re closer than you think.

PlaceDrive time
Edinburgh00:30
Dunfermline00:45
Dunbar00:50
Stirling00:50
Glasgow01:00
Galashiels01:00
Perth01:00
Berwick01:15
Dundee01:30
St Andrews01:30
Ayr01:50
Carlisle02:00
Newcastle02:30
Aberdeen02:30
Durham02:45
Oban02:45
Inverness03:00

Why not escape the hustle and bustle this weekend, get some fresh air, be inspired and visit the POSt Art Trail?!

Once here, you could park up and walk on the beautiful Water of Leith walkway or use the frequent bus services. If you would like to hitch a lift on the e-bike rickshaw, ask our hi-viz wardens to help you locate it. See our previous article about planning your visit.

All the images above are of work made by artists exhibiting in #POStudios2026. Check our website to see the map of where they are and information about them. Follow us on Instagram @PentlandsOpenStudios.

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