Who We Are
We’re a movement of likeminded individuals and businesses, creating apprenticeships to support artisans across Scotland. Tuluk is a social enterprise inspired by the remarkable Isobel "Tuluk" Wylie Hutchison, whose life embodied the ideals of community, sustainability and creativity.
Our mission is straightforward yet powerful. We create iconic duffel bags that stand the test of time. You buy them. And with every purchase, you’re directly preserving and revitalizing skills that have shaped our culture for generations. By investing in a Tuluk bag, you’re endorsing Scotland’s craft heritage.
A timeless, sustainable companion for life’s journey.
The Movement
Though known worldwide for whisky and tartan, Scotland’s artisan communities produce so much more. Often small businesses they struggle to meet demand with limited time to plan succession. Many traditional skills are at risk of vanishing, underfunded and invisible in the modern world. That’s why Tuluk exists, to make craftsmanship appreciated, aspirational and a realistic vocation for all.
We fund apprenticeships that empower skilled artisans to pass down their knowledge, grow their businesses, and keep their tools, materials, and techniques relevant. We’re not just preserving history—we’re giving it a future.
Why We Do This
Traditional crafts evolved from necessity, born out of a deep connection to the land and local resources. These skills not only fuelled economies but also anchored cultural identities, giving people a sense of pride and place.
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, we’re more aware than ever of the impact of our choices—on the planet and on ourselves. As we strive for sustainability and balance, there’s so much wisdom to be gleaned from our past. At Tuluk, we believe that the future of craft is built on the foundations of tradition, and that’s why we’re creating a Scotland-wide apprenticeship program fit for the 21st century.
Who is Isobel “Tuluk” Wylie Hutchison?
A rebel of her time.
Isobel “Tuluk” Wylie Hutchison was a 20th Century botanist, Arctic explorer, artist, and writer - a local hero whose life embodied community, sustainability and Scottish resourcefulness. You can read more about her here https://carlowriecastle.co.uk/our-history/ and https://www.isobelwyliehutchison.com/
Isobel Wylie Hutchison, affectionately known as "Tuluk," earned her nickname from the Inuit community during her travels in Greenland. The name "Tuluk" is rooted in the Inuit language, where it traditionally referred to an Englishman or foreigner, but it also had a playful connection to biscuits—a nod to Isobel’s love of sweets and her habit of sharing Scottish treats. Despite her status as an outsider, Isobel's deep integration into Inuit culture set her apart. She embraced local customs, wore traditional seal-skin and caribou clothing, learned the Greenlandic language, and lived for nearly a year on the remote island of Uummannaq. The name "Tuluk" was not just a reflection of her foreign origins but a term of endearment and respect, symbolizing her acceptance into the community.
Greenland, with its harsh landscapes and resilient people, became her spiritual home. Here, she found a life free from the societal pressures of her native Scotland, a place where she could thrive on her own terms. Signing letters to friends as "Tuluk," Isobel embodied this identity, one that signified both her adventurous spirit and her profound connection with the Inuit. Tuluk was more than just a nickname—it was a symbol of belonging and her truest self.