Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has congratulated Plockton-based Gilly Langton, as buyers from around the world gather in trade fairs in London and New York, to see the jewellery designer’s contemporary work.

Gilly is taking part in trade fairs in London and New York throughout 2016, after securing £6,300 in support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Mr Thompson said, “I congratulate Gilly on her jewellery business successes as she promotes Plockton inspired products around the world.

“It is great to see local talent tapping into wider markets, creating exposure for Plockton in return.

“I wish Gilly all the best with the upcoming trade fairs in London and New York, where I hope she makes more connections, and picks up yet more jewellery orders”.

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02/03/16: Highlands and Islands Original Press Release Below:

A north jewellery designer’s contemporary and eye-catching work is attracting increased attention at home and abroad thanks to her attendance at several prestigious trade exhibitions.

Plockton-based Gilly Langton is taking part in trade fairs in London and New York throughout 2016, after securing £6,300 in support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Buyers from around the world gather at these events to meet designers like Gilly who specialise in using both traditional and modern materials such as sterling silver and elastic.

Having recently returned from a New York trade fair as part of a British stand of contemporary jewellery designers, Gilly will be back there again in April for another exhibition. Several other London trips are planned later in 2016 and these all help Gilly build on progress made at past events.

Gilly says: “Taking part in trade exhibitions means business relationships can be established in a short space of time which hopefully mature and bear fruit in the longer term. This approach also allows me to continue to work from Plockton and draw inspiration from the wonderful location and colours that surround me here.

“The most recent New York trip resulted in six new orders and there is good potential for the future too. HIE funding has been essential to help investigate and target these new markets which in turn informs the development of new product lines.

Gilly has seen the number of galleries taking her work increase over the years and she currently supplies the Design Museum in London and National Galleries of Scotland amongst others.

Raine MacLennan, HIE development manager for Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross said: “Attending trade exhibitions increases awareness of both products and brand domestically and overseas. Businesses like Gilly’s that trade internationally also tend to grow quicker and are generally more innovative.

“Gilly’s aspiration to grow is also good news for improving economic diversity and sustainability of very fragile, rural locations like those in Plockton on the west of Scotland.

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About Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is an economic and community development agency implementing Scotland's Economic Strategy across a region which covers more than half the country.

With around 300 staff, HIE supports hundreds of client businesses and social enterprises; strengthens communities, particularly in fragile areas; develops growth sectors, and invests in infrastructure to create a more competitive and low carbon region.