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Roxtown Design - Where Heritage Leatherwork Meets Modern Sustainability

Tucked away in one of our cosy studios at Edinburgh Open Workshop, you’ll find Roxtown Design – a luxury leatherwork brand rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the landscape. Each piece is made to order, built to last, and crafted with sustainability at its heart.

 

We sat down with Roxtown’s founder, Catherine Cullen – a trained saddler and lifelong maker – to learn more about her journey from the Irish coastline to the EOW studio floor, and how a love of horses, hills, and handmade craftsmanship inspired a thriving creative practice.

 

“Everything I make is something I’d want to own myself. It’s about creating pieces that tell a story – from the tannery to the studio – and that story is written in every stitch.”

What is Roxtown Design?

 

Roxtown Design creates luxury, handmade leather goods – timeless, functional pieces designed to last a lifetime. Every item is made to order using ethically sourced, vegetable-tanned leather from UK suppliers, keeping the carbon footprint low and the quality exceptional.

“My aim has always been to create something sustainable and meaningful,” Catherine explains. “I trained as a saddler through my passion for horses, so that skillset became the foundation of Roxtown. The brand takes inspiration from Irish and Scottish landscapes, equestrian culture, and timeless country living.”

The name Roxtown comes from the Inishowen Peninsula in Ireland – a place filled with childhood memories of riding horses. “When I moved to London, I lost that connection to horses, so leatherwork became a way to reconnect – a creative outlet that kept me close to something I loved.”

The Journey So Far

After studying Geology at the University of Edinburgh, Catherine spent several years working in geoscience – a field that, perhaps surprisingly, complements her design sensibilities.

“Geology involved a lot of sketching and observing landscapes. I think that’s where my appreciation for form and natural beauty really developed. I still work in quarry restoration today, and that balance between nature, form, and function really influences my leatherwork.”

While living in London, an unexpected opportunity to stay on a friend’s barge and off-grid living, led to evenings spent crafting dog collars and wallets. “I came across a professional saddlery course at Capel Manor College, and that changed everything. It was a practical, hands-on skill that combined tradition, design, and creativity. My first commissions were small – a reindeer harness for a theatre production, a few bespoke pieces for friends – but it grew organically from there.”

A stint in New South Wales, managing a stable yard and grooming at polo tournaments, deepened Catherine’s connection to equestrian life and the craftsmanship that surrounds it. “That experience gave me a huge appreciation for the beauty and utility of leather goods – everything was functional but had style.”

When the time came to return to Edinburgh, Roxtown Design came too.

“At first, I wasn’t sure I’d pick it back up. But I joined Leith Makers, then came to EOW for a welding course, and I was blown away by the facilities. When I found out there was a small studio space available, it just felt right. I moved in January 2025, and it’s been an amazing base ever since.”

Why Edinburgh Open Workshop?

 

“It’s the flexibility and the people,” says Catherine. “Everyone here comes from different disciplines, and that sparks ideas I might never have had. You’re not working in isolation – it’s like having colleagues again. You can collaborate, share knowledge, or just have a chat when things get tough.”

Being part of a shared makerspace has also opened up new creative directions, such as using the laser cutter for branded leather merchandise. “It’s helping me explore a new line of custom corporate gifts and collaborations, particularly for drinks and lifestyle brands that value craftsmanship and provenance.”

She adds, “Access to shared tools and spaces makes such a difference for a small business. I couldn’t afford to buy all that equipment myself, but being able to use it on a PAYG basis is incredible.”

Who Buys Roxtown Leatherwork?

 

Roxtown’s customers are people who value heritage, sustainability, and craftsmanship. They’re conscious consumers – the kind who would rather buy one well-made item that lasts a lifetime than ten that won’t.

“Many of my clients are drawn to the country and equestrian lifestyle: dog owners, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who appreciate understated luxury,” Catherine explains.

Every piece is unique, and while a small selection of products are available to purchase from The Edinburgh Mercantile in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, and with Vigour & Skills, in-store and online, in Oxford, most are made to order – meaning nothing is mass-produced.

“I don’t even have a website right now,” she laughs. “Everything comes through Instagram or word of mouth. That’s how I like it. I only make what’s wanted. Each piece is an investment – something you’ll use and treasure for life.”

Looking Ahead

 

Roxtown Design continues to evolve, blending heritage craft with modern innovation.

“I want to develop workshops to share these skills, explore branded merchandise more fully, and refine my core collection,” Catherine says. “I’m also looking into heritage crafts that are under threat, like sporran-making, to expand my skillset.”

Looking further ahead, her vision is ambitious but grounded:

“I’d love to see Roxtown grow sustainably – maybe with a small team producing the collection here in the UK, freeing me up to focus on design, training, and growth. Ultimately, it would be great to open a leather, wine and whisky concept store here in Edinburgh – a space that celebrates craftsmanship, community, and good conversation – a true Roxtown lifestyle.”

Contact Catherine: @roxtowndesign on instagram or email catherine@roxtown.co.uk

All images Roxtown Design with contribution from Lucy Cox and Helen Murray

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