Overseas craft buyers will take a step back in time this Saturday (27 January 2001) when they attend a unique workshop at Scotland's International Trade Fair in the SECC, Glasgow.

The workshop hopes to raise awareness of the diverse range of craft products the Highlands and Islands has to offer - from pottery and metal work to stone carving and weaving. Buyers from America, Canada and Europe will be targeted as the cultural history of the area is used as a backdrop to promote the area's craft sector.

Live clarsach (celtic harp) music and traditional food products will be a particular feature of the event which aims to create an informal setting for buyers and producers to meet.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have organised the event under the 'Exportise' initiative which was launched last year. 'Exportise' is an international trade development programme which offers a whole range of assistance to experienced and would-be exporters from the area, including expert advice, training and introductory overseas missions.

With manufacturing exports worth £284 million (pounds) in real terms (excluding whisky and oil) to the Highlands and Islands economy in the four years to March 1999, 'Exportise' hopes to build on this and encourage more businesses in this sector to understand and enjoy the benefits which exporting can provide.

Sandra Armstrong, export development manager with HIE explained: "We are using historical and cultural influences as the theme for these workshops to help promote this sector more effectively. Developing new markets in other parts of the world helps craft businesses grow and increases the diversity of their client base, ultimately boosting turnover and profitability.

"Whilst producers may be put off exporting due to the current strength of sterling or the perceived difficulties involved in selling overseas, events like Saturday's workshop helps to convince producers that foreign buyers are very interested in what the Highlands and Islands has to offer."

Dr Martin MacGregor, a lecturer in Scottish history at the University of Glasgow will take workshop participants on a journey back in time when people in the Highlands and Islands were already demonstrating sophisticated skills in metalwork, sculpture and manuscript.

"As far back as early medieval times, islanders were importing products such as rare dyes for manuscripts, and exporting indigenous produce to many parts of continental Europe," he said.

The workshop will also demonstrate the contrast and diversity which exists in the Highlands and Islands craft sector and how it is constantly evolving to provide the marketplace with new and exciting products.

Deirdre Nicholls a designer who specialises in working with Scottish textiles will also speak at the workshop. Her company Celtic Silks promotes the new 'Babysoft' Harris Tweed developed by Donald Macleod Ltd which is still woven in the traditional manner, but is light and can be worn next to the skin.

She said: "Events like this help to highlight the importance of building on our heritage and track record in this sector. However, I will also be stressing how important it is for business to innovate continuously so that the Highlands and Islands continues to be a leading light in the craft sector."

For information about the 'Exportise' initiative contact Sandra Armstrong on 01463 244488.