Now that the “new normal” has, tentatively, begun to emerge, I have seriously re-engaged with my workshop. That said, in the interim, I have carried out much experimentation and trial detailing, especially with box body and “stone” treatment and finishing. This work has only affirmed that what I am passionate about, true hand crafting, cannot be subject to shortcuts if pleasing and sympathetic end results are to be achieved.

The FINISH for each box must be individual; a polished surface, essential on some, may look garish and inappropriate on others. Cyanoacrylate, though unforgiving in application, is still I believe, the best surface treatment by far, be it highly polished, matt, or somewhere in between.

With “STONES” there absolutely can be no shortcuts. I have settled on a laborious eleven stage manual polishing process; best carried out with gentle background music. ( Classic FM output generally suits well.)

Eight boxes have recently been completed. Four have gone to the Lael gallery in Ullapool and the others to the Athol gallery in Dunkeld. All have “stones” set in silver and inset hallmarked silver banding. Only you can judge if I have achieved the “pleasing and sympathetic” end result sought.

Nature Note:- The Myretoun is now home to resident red squirrels; this after an absence of several decades.