A new base has opened in Errol to provide a creative way to prevent reusable materials being sent to landfill.
The Tayside Upcycling and Craft Centre will showcase work by five resident furniture makers, as well as running workshops and providing space and materials for the community.
It’s believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
The centre already has one famous resident in Sarah Peterson, who is a regular contributor to the BBC’s Money for Nothing series.
She has moved her former Princes Street shop Sarah’s Attic into the new venture.
The founder of the centre is Alfie Iannetta, a previous chief executive of the Black Watch Museum in Perth who oversaw the redevelopment of the attraction in 2013.
He said he wanted to champion the environmental benefits of upcycling – taking unwanted items and re-shaping them into useful and appealing contemporary objects for the home.
Alfie said: “The centre lets visitors discover the potential of just what it is possible to create with some imagination and skill.”
As well as showcasing a wide range of items, the team at the centre will offer advice and the materials – paint, stencils, brushes etc – required for the general public to do their own upcycling.
A range of workshops are planned for later in the year.
“Our number one aim is to reduce the amount of unwanted furniture and fabrics that end up in landfill every year,” said Alfie.
“As well as retailing finished articles we are happy to advise or accept commissions from customers wanting to upcycle their own furniture as well as accepting donations of furniture that can be reimagined rather than being consigned to landfill.”
The new community hub will also run volunteer programmes for individuals who may face a challenging time learning new skills or finding suitable placements.”
It is situated next the Inchmichael Shell Garage off the A90.
