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 traditional skills
I consider the small scale, high quality, hands on, skill driven approach that I take unique. I regularly do restoration work for East Lothian Council and have done work to the satisfaction of Historic Scotland, the National Trust and the ENTCC. I also do carving work for my own jobs and for the stone industry. I enjoy my work and take pride in delivering a first class job in a professional manner. I have an apprentice to pass the benefit of my experience on to, and still continue my own skills development, not only by actively researching my subjects, materials and history but also by going on courses and to lectures.
I do not use air hammers, nor do I usually create surfaces with a grinder. My preferred tools are the mallet and sharp chisel. Electric grinders and diamond blades are great for getting rid of unwanted material, but there is no substitute for a neatly chiseled surface. Well used, with gusto, they can be very nearly as quick and much more accurate.
An appreciation for the traditional building techniques allows new work to be designed to blend in, and using the same tools and methods to make the new stones lends further authenticity.
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