THERE will be a festival atmosphere in Peebles this weekend as lovers of one-off, original gifts flock to discover the work of well over 50 artists being shown in a dozen galleries, studios and workshops in and around town.

From high-end galleries to more humble home studios, the artists are throwing open their doors as part of Rapt in Winter, a new, pre-Christmas arts fair on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7.

Rapt in Winter offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to create their own arts trail using a specially-commissioned map that will lead them on a treasure hunt leading to the very best paintings, ceramics, glasswork, jewellery, woodwork and more. To add to the festive spirit, many of the venues will offer special added extras, from festive nibbles and mulled wine to live music and song, including appearances by Ken Barrett, The Amber Knights, InChorus and The Brambelles. As might be expected, the weekend will shine a light on the many exceptional galleries found locally, with participating venues such as The Three Fishes Gallery, Moy Mackay Gallery, Breeze Art Gallery, Tweed Art, Dancing Light Gallery (Whitmuir) and the Old School Gallery (Stobo) between them displaying some of the finest artwork found anywhere in Scotland.

But just as importantly, Rapt in Winter will also offer the chance to visit smaller, more intimate venues such as Lesley Johnson’s wonderful 'shedio’ (the shed/studio in the bottom of her garden); Jo Powell’s gorgeous home studio, where she paints folk art musicians; a pop-up display at the Tontine Hotel by two young artists who are currently creating a new art studio within the shell of the former primary school at Traquair; and the atmospheric Old Police Cells in Peebles, where four artists work in rather austere surroundings.

Rapt in Winter radiates from a two-day exhibition in the Anne Younger Studio at Peebles’ Eastgate Theatre – a major event in its own right, with ten of the very best artists and craft workers from across the Borders coming together for an eclectic exhibition of their work. The exhibition at the Eastgate will feature paintings, photographs, textiles, designer and precious metal jewellery, metal sculptures, pottery, tableware, woodwork and furniture.

The Eastgate’s additional Christmas fun 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.  Visitors to Rapt in Winter will also be well fed and watered, with the excellent Restaurant at Kailzie Gardens joining stallholders at the regular PeeblesCAN Local Food Market on the Eastgate to offer a feast of festive goodies on both Saturday and Sunday.

Rapt in Winter is the last 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. Saturday’s event runs from 11am to 7pm, and the festival continues on Sunday, from 12noon to 4pm.

The participating galleries, artists and designers include: Anne Younger Studio, Eastgate Theatre; The Three Fishes Gallery and Framing; Moy Mackay Gallery; Traquair Old School Gallery exhibiting at the Tontine; Breeze Art Gallery; The Old Police Cells; Lesley Johnson Shedio Art; Joanna Powell Paintings; Tweed Art Gallery and Framing Studio; Old School Gallery, Stobo; Dancing Light Gallery, West Linton; and  Catriona Taylor Studio, Carlops.