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Vegan Taxidermist Designer Crafts Kilt Accessories from Roadkill

Welcome to the workshop of Emma Willats, a former dog breeder turned taxiderminst who transforms the hide of roadkill animals into beautiful works of art. Willats brings road-kill to life in the form of sporrans, an accessory that goes with the traditional Scottish kilt In her highland cottage on a farm on the outskirts of Aberdeen. A transition from dog grooming to taxidermy is a surprising enough change in career in and of itself, but for vegan Emma Willats, it is all the more unusual. Her chest freezer is full of all kinds of animals from deer and foxes to a frigid pine martin. Nothing goes to waste as her dogs devour the meat. As well as using animals squished by cars, Willats has acquired deceased beasties from wildlife parks and a pet store. She uses recycled leather to make the kilt sporrans rather than using new materials. The vegan taxidermist believes that by being careful about what she uses she can pursue her passion while keeping a clear conscience regarding her vegan morals. It's a terrible thing when an animal is killed while crossing the road, but Willats makes sure that their bodies are not simply thrown away.