LOVERS of one-off original gifts are expected to zero in on Peeblesshire next month when the work of more than 30 artists will be shown in 12 galleries and workshops across town and beyond.

The artists are throwing open their doors as part of Rapt in Winter, a new two-day, pre-Christmas arts fair taking place on Saturday, December 6 (11am–5pm) and Sunday 7 December (12pm–4pm). The Rapt in Winter event, supported by Peebles Creative Place 2014, invites visitors and locals alike to create their own route using a specially-commissioned arts trail map that will lead them on a treasure hunt to discover the area’s finest paintings, ceramics, glasswork, jewellery, woodwork and more.

The arts trail map connects a dozen different venues: nine in Peebles and three further afield at Stobo, West Linton and Carlops. To add to the festive spirit, many of the galleries will celebrate by offering exciting added extras, including festive nibbles, poetry readings, live music and song.

Visitors will be well fed and watered, with the excellent Restaurant at Kailzie Gardens joining stallholders at the regular PeeblesCAN Local Food Market on the High Street to offer a feast of festive goodies on both days.

The Rapt in Winter event radiates from a two-day exhibition in the Anne Younger Studio at Peebles’ Eastgate Theatre where 10 of the finest artists and craft workers from across the Borders are coming together for an eclectic exhibition of their work. A huge event on its own, the exhibition at the Eastgate will feature paintings, photographs, textiles, designer and precious metal jewellery, metal sculptures, pottery, tableware, woodwork and furniture. Other entertainment at the Eastgate over the weekend includes The Enchanted Wintergarden – a spectacular family show that sees music, magic, beautiful costumes, wolf dogs and a performing horse – plus the annual visit from Santa.  Rapt in Winter is the latest in a year-long programme of events developed or supported by Peebles Creative Place 2014, following the town being named as the most creative place of its size in Scotland. 1am–7pp; Sun, 7 Dec: 12pm–4.30pm).

Full list of participating galleries, artists and designers (in order of appearance on arts trail map – all in Peebles, unless otherwise stated) - Anne Younger Studio, Eastgate Theatre, exhibitors: Andrea Geile (metalwork), Janis Embleton (textiles), The Wood Neuk (furniture), Linda Kinsman Blake (ceramics and painting), Rankin Kinsman Blake  (woodwork), Robyn Kinsman Blake (designer jewellery), Joanna Thomson (precious metal jewellery), Orwell and Goode (printed textiles), Mitch McFarlane (photography) and Anna King (painting); The Three Fishes Gallery and Framing; Moy Mackay Gallery; Traquair Old School Gallery exhibiting at the Tontine;  Breeze Art Gallery; The Old Police Cells (Hilary Forbes, Deborah Campbell , Irene Campbell); Lesley Johnson Shedio Art; Joanna Powell Paintings; Tweed Art Gallery and Framing Studio; Old School Gallery, Stobo; Dancing Light Gallery, West Linton; Catriona Taylor Studio, Carlops