Once an essential part of Highland dress, the sporran has evolved from a practical pouch into a distinctive symbol of Scottish identity. Yet the traditional craft behind it is becoming increasingly rare, as mass production and the decline of skilled artisans threaten the knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. 

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This episode goes behind the doors of historic workshops where makers continue to work by hand, exploring the leatherwork, skill and attention to detail that give each sporran its character. Alongside these traditions, a younger generation of makers is finding new ways to interpret the
form, bringing fresh ideas to a craft rooted in Highland history.

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From the workshops to museum collections, we trace the sporran’s journey through Scottish dress and culture, discovering how a small and highly distinctive object can carry stories of identity, heritage and place. The episode ends with our host experiencing the tradition firsthand, fitted in full Highland dress and discovering how the sporran completes the ensemble.