In partnership with
WeeBox Scotland
Amy McCusker, founder of WeeBox, Scotland’s global subscription box, has gathered an inspiring community of makers who supply gifts for her thriving business – and each month, she tells their story
Imagine magically stepping back in time to Lallybroch (Midhope Castle), the fictional home of Jamie Fraser in Outlander, everyone dressed in clothes of the age, with sword fighting, songs, hand-fasting ceremonies, all on the most glorious Scottish summer’s evening.
This was the backdrop to my first meeting with Michelle Goring and indeed my first visit to Midhope.
Michelle is one of my newest WeeBox makers, a talented artist who created a bespoke Scottish map print for our January WeeBox. I can always tell when a maker’s work will capture the imagination of our global subscribers and this has been exactly the case with Michelle.
Her passion is drawing Scottish inspired artwork with the hope to develop a home decor and scarf range, she has many ideas for Outlander themes too.
Born in Glasgow, Michelle has lived the past 20 years in Edinburgh’s Old Town with her Californian fiancé Dan and beautiful daughter Winona. “I’ve loved art from a very young age,” says Michelle.
“I had a motorbike and would travel around Fife, sourcing and sketching Pictish Stones on location for a collection of detailed pen and ink drawings. My inspiration comes from what’s around me, my passion is drawing Scottish symbols and icons as well as history, folklore and local architecture.”
Reflecting on the opportunity with WeeBox, Michelle shares, “Being a part of WeeBox allows me to reach a global market which I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own. This is by far the biggest opportunity of my art career.”
For Michelle, connecting with the WeeBox Clan has been nothing short of amazing. “The WeeBox Clan are super supportive and generous. I just think they are all very kind and our biggest cheerleaders.”
Michelle’s journey with WeeBox took an unexpected turn thanks to WeeBox subscriber Jessica Polston, an American Outlander devotee running the @SassenachTikTok page. Jessica’s infectious enthusiasm for WeeBox caught Michelle’s attention in a Christmas Gift review video back in 2022, sparking a connection that would lead them to Midhope Castle.
Jessica discovered Outlander in 2018 and soon found herself immersed in the Outlander fandom. Her creative outlet as SassenachTikTok, became a source of entertainment for fans during the infamous “droughtlander” and now also hosts a successful podcast @droughtlanderdiariespodcast.
Jessica reflects on the serendipitous meeting with Michelle, saying, “I got a DM from one of my followers, Michelle Goring, who said that she was an artist living in Edinburgh and to let her know if I do make it to Scotland because she’d love to meet up. She is incredibly talented!” Michelle and Jessica’s connection grew as they navigated plans to attend an Outlander fan event together.
Michelle, seizing an opportunity, reached out to the event organiser to design merchandise for the occasion. Jessica, being a subscriber to WeeBox and a long-time supporter of Michelle’s art, put in a good word, resulting in a collaboration that would bring Michelle to the event and align their paths in ways unforeseen.
Jessica said: “Unfortunately, the event was cancelled a few weeks before it was supposed to happen, but we decided to make lemonade out of lemons. Michelle booked us and some friends a table near Edinburgh Castle, and we dressed up in the gowns we had bought for the event.”
The last-minute Outlander event at Midhope Castle became a cherished memory for Jessica and Michelle and for me too!
In the midst of their adventures, the friendship between Jessica and Michelle evolved into a profound connection. Jessica not only supported Michelle’s art but also played a pivotal role in introducing her to the Scottish community, leading to incredible opportunities and features, including Michelle’s artwork being showcased in the January 2024 WeeBox.
Witnessing these connections and collaborations is a testament to the vibrancy of our Clan—a community that transcends geographical boundaries, united by a shared love for Scotland, art, and the magic of Outlander.
Our connections came full circle when I joined Jessica and her friend Sarah who hosts the Droughtlander Diaries podcast. It was an honour to chat about all things Scottish and Michelle’s art as well. These extraordinary connections are a joy to witness and I am truly thankful for the friendships and global connections that a love for Scotland has woven.
WeeBox is the perfect gift for loved ones abroad. Gift today using code WeeBoxGift20 at weebox.co.uk/gifting for 20% off
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