In 2009 I was named “Artisan of the Year”, the top accolade in annual awards run by Country Living Magazine and Balvenie Whisky.
The awards are for individuals that use a traditional skill to earn their living, aiming to recognise and reward those who are keeping these skills alive and to encourage new artisans to take up the mantle.
The judges were impressed not only by my traditional woodworking skills, but also by the way I have used modern media to spread the word about what he does and help others develop their own skills.
By harnessing the power of the internet through this site, my blog, the online forums I contribute to and my YouTube videos, I have been able to reach out to many more people than by taking on traditional apprentices.
As well as a cash prize and a feature in the November edition of Country Living Magazine, I was awarded with a very special bottle of 30 year old Balvenie malt whisky which I can highly recommed having a sip out of one of my quaichs.