When thoughts turn to Christmas, chances are the usual trite ideas spring to mind.

But what about the bevvy of cool makers and producers that help to bring colour to the Scottish cultural landscape all year round?

Welcome to our version of the 12 Days of Christmas: a dozen days profiling disciplines as disparate as cheese-producing, custom drum-making, ballet dancing and bag-piping. We've rounded up the key players vital to keeping the creative industries in Scotland alive - plus one or two more unorthodox professions.

Ever wondered how a Lord spends his Christmas day? We found out. Or what happens at a lap dancing club during the festive season? Got that covered, too. There's also plenty of inspiration for gifts and edible treats, plus tips on how to make 2014's Christmas dinner the best yet.

Never mind the 12 Days of Xmas - these movers and shakers are what it's all about irrespective of whether the big fella's been or not.

A partridge in a pear tree... how to make roast Scottish partridge with caramelised pears

Two turtle doves... the history of The Doocot cafe in Glasgow's iconic Lighthouse building

Three French hens... video: behind-the-scenes at a burlesque artist's dance class

Four calling birds... an air traffic controller on what it's like to work on Christmas day

Five gold rings... or the contemporary Glasgow jeweller making rings for Kylie

Six geese-a-laying... say hi to Brian, the gander in Kelso saved from slaughter

Seven swans-a-swimming... a dance school in Argyll producing the finest young ballet dancers

Eight maids-a-milking... the woman whose cheese making kits are helping milk live forever

Nine ladies dancing...  how a lap dancer at Diamond Dolls is spending the festive season

10 lords-a-leaping... how Lord Hopetoun will use produce from his estate in his Xmas dinner

11 pipers piping... video: the Red Hot Chilli Pipers perform Jingle Bells for our readers

12 drummers drumming... meet the custom-drum maker from Bo'ness