Caithness Glass Travel Guide

Caithness Glass, based at the Crieff Visitor Centre since 2007, continues a proud tradition of fine glassmaking dating back to 1961. Renowned worldwide for its innovative abstract glass paperweights and art glass, the company exemplifies craftsmanship and artistry. Visitors gain a unique insight into the glassmaking process by observing skilled craftsmen and craftswomen at work in a dedicated studio environment. The factory viewing gallery offers a rare opportunity to witness molten glass transformed into elegant vases, whisky glasses, and intricate paperweights, highlighting the precision and dedication behind each piece.

The visitor centre invites guests to engage beyond observation. Glass painting sessions, available daily, allow visitors of all ages to explore their creativity by decorating glass items in a specially designed painting area. Although the popular 'Make Your Own Paperweight' experience has been discontinued, the centre still offers a hands-on, immersive atmosphere that appeals to families, art lovers, and casual visitors alike. The glassmaking gallery is free to enter and open Monday to Friday, while the gift shop and painting area operate seven days a week.

The Caithness Glass shop is a treasure trove of unique Scottish gifts, featuring an extensive range of handcrafted glass paperweights, whisky and wine glasses, and art glass pieces. Beyond Caithness products, the shop stocks complementary brands such as Dartington Crystal, John Beswick ceramics, and Royal Brierley glassware. Additionally, visitors can find a variety of local crafts, fine soaps, textiles, fashion accessories, and a curated selection of whiskies and liqueurs. This makes the shop an ideal destination for holiday gifts, souvenirs, or personal indulgences.

Caithness Glass is part of the wider Crieff Visitor Centre complex, which also features the Drovers exhibition—an engaging display that explores the history and hardships of the local people and the region’s role in Scotland’s cattle droving heritage. The centre includes a garden centre and a café known as The Drovers, offering fresh local produce, cakes, and refreshments in a welcoming setting. The centre’s location amidst scenic Perthshire countryside adds to its appeal as a cultural and leisure destination.

The centre is fully accessible, with wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and facilities for visitors with limited mobility. Ample parking is available onsite, and the centre welcomes families with children, providing a children’s play area and family-friendly amenities. The gift shop and café operate daily from 9am to 5pm, while the glassmaking gallery is open weekdays from 9am to 4pm. Admission to the gallery is free, making it an accessible experience for all visitors.

The glass factory occasionally closes for maintenance and during the Christmas period, with updates communicated via the centre’s channels. Visitors are advised to check opening times in advance, especially for the glassmaking gallery. While the glass painting sessions run daily in hour-long slots, booking ahead is recommended to secure a place. The centre’s combination of art, history, shopping, and dining ensures a rich and varied visit throughout the year.