Conceived by GRAS, Custom Lane is a collaborative platform created to identify, support and celebrate emerging world-class design in Scotland. Occupying part of a 19th-century Custom House in the heart of Leith, Custom Lane aims to provide Scotland’s most engaging, enriching and enjoyable work environment for designers and design-led makers. Working closely with the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, which manages the site on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, GRAS has overseen the transformation of the previously inaccessible building into a vibrant creative hub.

Custom Lane’s ground floor is now fully accessible to the public and accommodates a café, gallery, event space and workshop, as well as apparel brand Kestin’s flagship store. The café is operated by Williams & Johnson, which roasts seasonally sourced beans on site and serves up the freshest coffee in Leith both indoors and in the covered, cobbled lane. The lane also contains The Shed, a bespoke cabin designed by GRAS to house freelance hair cutters and barbers.

GRAS helped to renovate Custom Lane’s upper floor to create an open workspace featuring studio bays along with co-working desks for individuals, businesses and non-profit organisations dedicated to design and creative development. The resident community includes architects, artists, designers, photographers, jewellers, curators and entrepreneurs.

Custom Lane’s gallery space hosts a range of exhibitions and events that showcase Scottish and international design across multiple specialisms. The core programme is organised in house and is complemented by a partner programme that provides an opportunity for design-oriented organisations and individuals to occupy the unique spaces. The public entrance contains the custom-made HRBR display unit designed by GRAS to present work by a curated selection of retailers, designers and makers.