Stuart, I don’t know what to say really apart from thank you… It’s perfect, exactly what I had in mind.
When we first approached Stuart to make a box to house a special bottle of whisky, we knew that our best plan was to give him the freedom to come up with something special, and he absolutely delivered.
Being for The Distillers One of One charity auction, we knew that our neighbour was the best person we could ask to produce something so elegant and classy that would also speak to the very essence of where the whisky was made.
The lot made an incredible £65,000 for a very good cause, something that would not have been possible without Stuart’s incredible handiwork.
…the feedback on your box was absolutely glowing. People were genuinely impressed by the craftsmanship and elegance — it truly stood out. Thank you again for creating such a special piece for a great cause.
I am sitting on the seat in the graveyard and I can see our stone clearly. Herbie is now really at peace. Even although I have seen all the parts as you were making it, the sum is indeed far greater. I love it more than I could have imagined. Thank you doesn’t touch how grateful I am but thank you.
In the case of the memorial stone for Tom, it is all and more than he envisaged and thanks to Stuart, will be an enduring remembrance for generations to come.
Delighted to see stone in situ – I think it looks lovely and fitting. My brother Donald went down to see it today and said it looked really fine in the sun surrounded by a light covering of snow. He will probably take my Mum to see it this week, weather permitting. Again, I think meeting you and feeling that you were taking such care was over the stone did my mother’s heart good. Thank you.
I extend a letter to say how much the family all appreciated the headstone. We all went down to the Michael Kirk, stood around the stone and sang a verse of Away in the manger, which was very touching. I have also had messages from friends saying how lovely it is.
May I firstly thank you for the magnificent job you did creating and crafting the Gordon Highlanders Memorial for the National Memorial Arboretum. Carving the Regimental crest and the script was a considerable challenge, but you have crafted a masterpiece and we now have a Memorial that I know the Gordon Highlander veterans, wherever they may be around the world, will be immensely proud of.
The process of the visits to your workshop, your helpful suggestions, visits to Kirkmichael and Cawdor, and the time to think it all through before deciding on the final design, has brought me to a contented and peaceful place. Again, my sincere thanks for your patience, understanding, and artistic and sculpting skills.
I got home last night and went straight to see the stone. It’s a struggle to express exactly how much it means to us but you have captured something so personal to us as a family.
The stone looks so unique and special among the sea of black granite. C— was unique and special too. It’s fitting that her final resting place is marked so.
Thank you for everything.
I am so pleased, and can’t wait to show the family. We will head up there and have a dram for him. The anniversary, as you’ll realise, is that 22nd so it’s wonderful to have it before then.
Thank you for all your hard work, and the heart you have put into it. We are so pleased to have found you. Dad would’ve loved it too.
Fantastic, what a job you’ve done there! First class. Kerry and I are both delighted with it!
Just to let you know that my Dad’s headstone is in its rightful place. It must have been installed mid-week. I am still totally amazed by it. It looks beautiful, stunning and actually makes quite a powerful statement as it differs so much from the surrounding grey/black polished granite headstones.
Again many, many thanks and all the best.
Just thought you’d like to know I finally got your beautiful stones in position.
They need a bit of fiddling to make them plumb, with more rocks to go round, and we’re going to plant wild flowers round them. They’re more widely spaced than I think you envisaged but they have spectacular presence in the space. As you can see, they look particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise (when the stone texture and writing is positively luminous).
As you can tell, we love them. Thank you so much for your hard work, vision and artistry.
I went to see the headstone this afternoon (in sun and intermittent rain!) and couldn’t have been happier. It looks just perfect and seeing it complete and reinstated there felt like an important milestone.
I think I mentioned before, but it is worth reiterating, that there have been so many positive comments from folk about the stone itself, and how suited it is to the people concerned.
Thank you so much for all the care you have taken at every stage…
My mum is just beaming about the memorial; and, the exchanges with you to perfect it have meant a great deal to her. The process has been healing and the outcome something she is excited about.
You guided her through a tough pass on her journey but she gained strength and a sense she has truly honoured the spirit (as well as our reflections) of my dad. I wanted to thank you- what you do and give extends so far beyond your artistic and technical skill.
I also wanted to say I love the stone. You have pulled together our disparate but individually important elements into a connected, meaningful whole. I had an instant lump in my throat when I saw the final images.
I also smiled knowing my “self-proclaimed handsome” dad will still turn heads with memorable beauty, and art.
I am so delighted with my ‘Pictish’ stone, which I’ve always dreamt of having. Thank you for making it come true.
Hello there, Stuart. We are thrilled with what you have done, it is lovely.
Guess who just arrived, Mr Hare. He is absolutely wonderful. Couldn’t help myself had to unwrap him even though we are not going to install him for a week or so. Once again many many thanks for all your help and I absolutely adore him.
Dear Stuart, It is beautiful! The carving is perfect and I already feel a connection with it.
…thank you for the lovely carving of the Dove. When I saw it at Logie Kirk I was delighted. …I cannot tell you how many people across afterwards and said what a wonderful carving it was. My husband would have been very proud. You could not have done better, what a lovely gift to the church. Thank you for the long hours and very hard work you must have put in.
Stuart, it’s a great thrill to see the pics. Thank you again for the sculpture and to your dad and yourself for fixing it in position…just as I envisaged it ten years ago!
[My husband’s memorial] bench is looking superb and the engraving is most effective. I realise the time, patience and expertise you put into doing a job like this and I really do appreciate it.
It’s a fantastic piece of work and was gratefully received by my son. Your skill is incredible and it supersedes my expectations.
Came home this evening perfectly timed to catch the sun lighting up the house sign. I think it looks superb and am delighted with the work which you have done for us. I had a vision of what it would look like but you have surpassed this – the quality is outstanding.
Am most grateful for the skilful work you have done [restoring] the bench which we were allowed to place at the Junction Pool.
Thank you for all the care and attention to detail.
Just wanted to say how pleased I was to see the headstone in place. I had a few days in Elgin with family – I know Les would also have loved it.
Thought you might like to see your excellent handy work installed at The Regimental Kirk at Fort George. Please use them as you like, we are delighted with them.
Many thanks once again, they look great.