About Kate & Kelpie

Inspired by the wild landscapes of the north and threaded with memories. Using uplifting colour, Kate & Kelpie captures a sense of place and brings the beauty of northern Scotland to your home.

Growing up amongst the moors and dales of the Peak District, Kate has loved drawing and painting ever since she was wee and remembers being fascinated with some old William Morris wallpaper in her Nanna's house. After completing a degree in marine zoology she went on to work in the environment sector and hadn't done any art since leaving college. Originally it was a summer job doing fish surveys and maintenance on the River Naver that brought Kate to the far north of Scotland and she has found it difficult to leave ever since. After years of wanting to do something creative, Kate set up Kate & Kelpie as and when time allowed alongside a number of other jobs. Drawing on Kate's original paintings and linocuts, many of the designs have a retro yet fresh feel. Each pattern is digitally printed onto fabric here in the UK using eco friendly water based inks. Kate is now lucky to live in Caithness with her family (including two dogs) where she designs and makes all of Kate & Kelpie's art prints and homewares from her mini studio at home. Today Kate & Kelpie is stocked in a selection of shops throughout Caithness and the Highlands. Kate loves the bold patterns of the 50s and 60s and Winifred Nicholson and William de Morgan are amongst her favourite artists.



The name Kate & Kelpie refers to the kelpie, a shape shifting water spirit from Scottish folklore, that resides in rivers and lochs ready to lure unsuspecting passers by into the depths! The connection to water made it seem an apt name for our coastal inspired prints as you're never too far from the sea.

As Kate & Kelpie strives to towards sustainability, all our products are thoughtfully made in small batches. Our packaging is fully recyclable (no plastics) and we only work with UK based suppliers to reduce our carbon footprint.