For many people, chimney sweeps are relics only found in the novels of Charles Dickens. But the profession is alive and well in Latvia, and its practitioners keep modern homes safe while nurturing ancient traditions.

With its spectacular views, leafy walking trails and storybook castles, Sigulda has been sweeping lovers off their feet for generations. One local artist has turned the region’s romantic legends into an artform and is finding deeper meaning through them for our troubled times.

For many Latvians, the house in the country is the ultimate battery recharger, where long summer days are spent tending the tomatoes and splashing in the pond. Few do it with more style than Dita Balčus and her daughters, who have turned an old aristocratic pile into a hotel and cultural hotspot.

The Covid 19 crisis is more than just a medical issue, as many people face poverty and hunger in the economic downturn. Fortunately, one young Latvian is organising his peers to help those most in need.

With over half the country covered by forest, trees are a vital part of Latvia’s economy and national identity. Meet a man who also finds art, music and poetry in the woods.

Sadly, crises in families leave far too many children in urgent need of care. But one Latvian municipality has come together to make sure that no youngster ever has to go to an orphanage.

Almost 30 years have passed since Latvia’s Lenin statues were consigned to the dustbin of history. But in one intriguing corner of Riga, Vladimir Ilyich lives on…

In the Bible, God is said to have made Adam out of clay, showing how vital pottery has been to humans since time immemorial. Meet a Latvian couple who are shaping beautiful things from this sticky earth and spreading lots of good vibes.

There’s an old saying that the person who builds a better mousetrap will be very rich indeed. But what about revolutionising the way pianos are made? Meet someone who has done just that…

Latvia has many wonderful craftspeople, who continue to make beautiful things despite the toughest time for business in many years. Here are the stories of three hardworking masters of their trade, who have some perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and family.