A Hint of Heather taking part in Folklorama

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This article was published 04/08/2021 (1726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeggers searching for a piece of Scotland may need to look no further than a Hint of Heather.

The business is being featured in an online ethno-cultural marketplace organized by Folklorama, which is hosting a virtual event between Aug. 6 to 8 in place of its usual multicultural festival.

The marketplace will showcase a number of different artisans, vendors and companies. At press time, the marketplace was scheduled to run until Aug. 8.   

A Hint of Heather, which has been a fixture in Manitoba since 1983, is currently owned by the Southdale-based, husband-and-wife team Diana and Trent Simpson, who are its fifth owners.

In the last few years, prior to the pandemic, the couple has set up shop at Folklorama’s Scottish pavilion, which has historically been held at various southeast Winnipeg locations through the years, including Heather Curling Club and Glenwood Community Centre.

According to its website, a Hint of Heather’s extensive list of products includes many tartan-based items, such as kilts, skirts, and shawls; Scottish and Celtic jewelry; items for around the home; and countless souvenirs of all shapes and sizes — to name just a few.

“We sell everything ranging from trinkets, such as lapel pins and magnets … up to an eight-yard kilt for someone, which we contracted out. It was quite a sight to behold,” Diana told The Lance recently.  

And while the store will be a virtual one this year, Diana — whose Scottish heritage dates back to both sets of grandparents — said she looks forward to when things can return to an in-person format.

“We love meeting new people face-to-face, and we have lots of fun doing it. Also, I’m still dancing,” Diana added, noting her immediate family consists of three Highland dancers, including herself, and a drummer.

Diana said one of her most popular and bestselling items is called Heathergems, which are made in Scotland.

“These are uniquely Scottish, as they are made from the stems of the heather plant right from the hillside,” she said. The results, when presented in the form of a pair of earrings, are striking.

“With COVID-19 protocols in place, and with the numbers going down and the restrictions loosening, things are starting to look up. We’re really looking forward to 2022.

“Having an online presence is great, but we’re really looking forward to physically being part of the festival again, and it will be great to see everybody. Maybe I’ll even give the odd hug or two.”

Go online at hintofheather.ca for more information.