Islander UK Reviews 2,567

TrustScore 5 out of 5

5.0

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their exceptional helpfulness, friendliness, and engaging personalities, making the entire process enjoyable and comfortable. People are delighted with the high quality of the products, often creating beautiful and unique bags that serve as perfect souvenirs. The overall user experience is frequently highlighted as fun, relaxed, and easy to follow, with many appreciating the clear explanations and assistance provided. The various locations are also well-regarded, with consumers finding them charming and conveniently situated. However, some customers also noted a minor inconvenience regarding waiting areas, particularly for those who struggle with standing, as there wasn't always a place to sit while waiting for the workshop to begin.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers consistently express satisfaction with the staff, highlighting their helpfulness, friendliness, and... See more

Product

Clients share positive opinions on product. Customers consistently praise the bags, describing them as cute,... See more

User experience

Users describe positive interactions with the experience. Customers consistently highlight the fun, engaging,... See more

Location

People report positive experiences with the various locations. Many customers found the Edinburgh locations,... See more

Quality

Customers consistently note positive experiences with quality. Many reviewers were very happy with their... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience at the Islander workshop! There were so many different options to choose from and you could upgrade your bag if you wished with no fuss. Isaac was friendly and made the buildi... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was such a fun experience and completely worth the cost! The bags were so cute and making them was fun and not that difficult! Charlotte and Ellie helped us and they were both so sweet and the vi... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My girlfriend and I were visiting Edimburgh and find our about this workshop before travelling. We looked at the colour and bag options in advance but there's plenty of time in the workshop to choos... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Such a fun experience and my purse turned out amazing! Wonderful staff and the workshop ran right on time which made it easy to plan our day.


Company details

  1. Handbags Shop
  2. Shoe Store

Written by the company

Islander® is an Edinburgh-based brand specialising in footwear and accessories. We create distinctive, beautifully crafted designs for men and women using Scotland’s finest Harris Tweed®. We have seven stores in Edinburgh, and one in St. Andrews. Please see a list of our locations below. Islander Flagship - 95 West Bow, EH1 2JP Islander Workshop - 42 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE Islander 54 - 54 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE Islander Cafe - 37 Marshall Street, EH8 9BJ Islander Canongate - 6 Sibbald Walk, EH8 8FT Islander Arches - Arch 10, East Market St, EH8 8FS Islander Stockbridge, 63 Raeburn Place, EH4 1JF Islander St Andrews - 120 Market St, KY16 9PD. The Islander Handbag Experience offers customers to create their very own bespoke Islander Satchel, during our 1-hour workshop, now open 5 locations in Edinburgh: Islander Workshop - 42 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE Islander 54 - 54 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE Islander Cafe - 37 Marshall Street, EH8 9BJ Islander Canongate - 6 Sibbald Walk, EH8 8FT Islander Arches - Arch 10, East Market St, EH8 8FS And also in St Andrews.


Contact info

5.0

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

3K reviews

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Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My family and I had a great experience…

My family and I had a great experience making our bags! Heather and Cameron were exceptionally helpful throughout the process and were all very happy with how our bags turned out. It’s definitely something we would recommend to anyone visiting Edinburgh.

April 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a fun experience

What a fun experience! Elly and Charlotte were fantastic. Knowledgeable, friendly and funny. We had a great time making our bags and would definitely recommend!

April 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Both Charlotte and Ellie gave us an…

Both Charlotte and Ellie gave us an experience to remember. Having issues with my hands I thought it may be hard to do. Both ladies made sure I was able to to everything or helped us to do what we could not do. I personally would highly recommend the experience. Both fun, and good to do as you finish the product to your taste. Thank you to both the above mentioned. You made us welcome and the experience interesting and fun!

April 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Unique Edinburgh Experience

Such an enjoyable, authentic Edinburgh experience! Elly and Charlotte led a fun class - with helpful tips and witty humor. I will be telling everyone about my special bag I made at Islander!!

April 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Exceeded My High Expectations

I had been looking forward to this experience for months. Expectations exceeded! Some reviews suggested there would be limited color choices, yet everyone in our workshop seemed satisfied with the selection. Would recommend!!!

April 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wash bag and barrel bag

Heather was the lead speaker and did an amazing job holding the attention of the people while instructing them on how to build the individual product.

Be warned the wash bag is DIFFICULT to build. Cameron checked over my bag and congratulated me on completing the build. Would highly recommend !

April 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So cool!

It was so much fun! Lucy and Kirsty were fabulous and so so helpful, I really enjoyed the experience and am so happy with my bag.

April 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great memories and keepsake!!

So fun to make memories at the same time as a really unique keepsake. Lucy, Heather and Kirsti were terrific and kept is laughing as well as made sure our satchels were put together just right. We had a great time. Thanks so much!!

April 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Memorable Experience at Canongate Location!

Went to the Canongate location and had an amazing time! The entire staff (Lucy, Heather, and Kirsty) were incredibly friendly and provided a wonderful atmosphere! I chose the toiletries kit tote which turned out exactly how I hoped! Such a fun memory with my family!

April 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Such a fun experience

Such a fun experience. We got lost on the buses and ended up being a bit late and they were still kind and accommodating. The process is great, customizing to your tastes is ideal!

April 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Such fun

Such fun. Great guidance from Lucy and Heather. The choice is amazing but I’d done my homework and knew how I wanted to style my bag. The combinations are amazing and everyone’s bags looked amazing. I’d recommend this as a group or on your own, so friendly and simple and you leave with a stunning bag you will be proud of. Not sure? Do it! Great yourself!

April 21, 2026
Unprompted review

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