Leila Aitken in 1985, presenting a craft programme for Grampian Television

Leila Aitken grew up in the Somerset countryside. In the early-1950s she moved north to train as a Home Economics teacher and settled in North Berwick.

Now retired she does not pass her days idly. Inspired by the seascapes of William MacTaggart (1835-1910) she saw at the National Galleries of Scotland she undertook a course at Edinburgh College of Art which augmented her talent as a sculptor and artist. This talent is put to good use and her accomplished works are regularly exhibited at local galleries such as The Westgate Gallery in North Berwick, and nationally at events such as The MacMillan Edinburgh Art Show. She has also published seven books on flower arranging, gardening and dressmaking.

Many of Leila’s paintings are available to view on her  website.