Seasonal Discussions

Inside NAFCo 2026: Bringing the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention to Aberdeen

In this episode, I sit down with Kirsty Clements and Laura Harrington, Festival Directors of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo), as we explore one of the most significant traditional music events coming to Aberdeen this year. We discuss the origins of NAFCo, what makes the convention unique, and why its return to the Granite City is such an important moment for the North East of Scotland. Kirsty and Laura provide an insight into the extensive programme of workshops, performances, and events taking place throughout the festival, as well as the internationally renowned musicians and guests who will be visiting Aberdeen. We also look at the venues that will host the convention, the impact the event is expected to have on the region, and the opportunities it creates for musicians, learners, and audiences alike. Alongside the festival itself, Kirsty and Laura share their own personal journeys into the world of traditional music and event organisation, and how they each became involved with NAFCo. Whether you're a musician, a folk music enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Scotland's biggest cultural events of the year, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention. For more information about NAFCo, including tickets, workshops, and event schedules, visit the official festival website: https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com [https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com] https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/ [https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/] https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention [https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention] https://www.tiktok.com/@nafcofestival [https://www.tiktok.com/@nafcofestival] https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAtlanticFiddleConvention [https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAtlanticFiddleConvention]

Reviving Banff’s Silversmithing Heritage - Drew Markou & Vanilla Ink The Smiddy

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Markou from Vanilla Ink The Smiddy for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, and community in the north east of Scotland. We explore the history of silversmithing and metalwork in Banff, how traditional skills are being preserved and reimagined for a modern audience, and the role organisations like Vanilla Ink The Smiddy play in supporting artists, makers, and local communities. Drew also shares his personal journey — from lecturing at Birmingham City University to building a new life in rural Aberdeenshire — and reflects on why creative spaces matter, especially outside major cities. We also discuss: * The importance of community-led creative projects * Opportunities and challenges facing the creative sector in rural Scotland * Why heritage crafts still matter today * The future vision for creativity and collaboration in the region If you’re interested in creativity, craft, culture, rural communities, or the future of the arts in Scotland, this is a conversation worth hearing. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Follow Vanilla Ink The Smiddy: https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk [https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk] https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk [https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk] https://www.facebook.com/vanillainkthesmiddy/ [https://www.facebook.com/vanillainkthesmiddy/]

Building Forma Designs Collective: Collaboration, Craft & Scaling From Home

This week, Chris is joined by George Brown, founder of Forma Designs Collective in Aberdeen. We discuss how Forma evolved from a university project into a growing business, the realities of building a creative company from home, and how production has gradually taken over every spare bit of space, including industrial machines running almost constantly from a spare room/workshop. George also talks about the importance of reusability in design, working with other creatives, and what’s coming next for the brand. Follow Forma Designs Collective: https://formadesignscollective.com/ [https://formadesignscollective.com/] https://www.instagram.com/forma.designs.collective/ [https://www.instagram.com/forma.designs.collective/] https://www.tiktok.com/@forma.designs.collective [https://www.tiktok.com/@forma.designs.collective] https://www.youtube.com/@Formadesignscollective/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Formadesignscollective/]

From Piercer to Founder: Nathan’s Journey Building Utopia Body Arts in Aberdeen

How do you go from starting out in body piercing to building your own respected studio in Aberdeen? In this weeks episode of Seasonal Discussions, Nathan from Utopia Body Arts shares his full story, from discovering body piercing as a career, to opening his own business, moving to Scotland, and becoming part of Aberdeen’s creative community. We also dive into: • Entrepreneurship and taking risks • The reality of running a studio • Why Aberdeen still has massive potential • Thoughts on the future of the city centre • Life in Scotland and what makes it unique Check out Utopia Body Arts for yourself: https://utopiabodyarts.com [https://utopiabodyarts.com] https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/] https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/ [https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/] https://www.tiktok.com/@utopiabodyartsaberdeen [https://www.tiktok.com/@utopiabodyartsaberdeen]

How Two Creatives Built Aberdeen’s Newest Creative Charity | KIN

In this episode, Chris sits down with Julie and Nicola from KIN, Aberdeen’s newest creative charity, to find out how it all got started. We talk about how the two first met, with Nicola teaching at university and Julie joining as one of her mature students, and how that relationship eventually grew into a shared vision for supporting Aberdeen’s creative community. We also dive into: • The inspiration behind KIN • Creating opportunities for local creatives • Future events and networking plans • Building stronger creative connections in Aberdeen • Giving back to the community through collaboration and support 🔗 Find out more about KIN: https://kin-abz.org [https://kin-abz.org] https://kin-abz.org [https://kin-abz.org] https://www.linkedin.com/company/kin-abz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kin-abz/]