“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.”
–– Major G. (Aberdeen)
“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.”
–– Jill H. (London)
“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.“
–– Sheila H. (Findhorn)
“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.”
–– John T. (Archiestown)
“Dear Stuart,
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. Best wishes”
–– Sheena T. (Muir of Ord)
“It’s a fantastic piece of work and was gratefully received by my son. Your skill is incredible and it supersedes my expectations.”
–– Alastair C. (Biggar)
“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…”
–– Ruth M. (Fochabers)
“[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.”
–– Judy M. (Broughty Ferry)
“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.”
–– Alison M. (Elgin)
“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!”
–– Ronnie. M. (Grantown-on-Spey)
“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.”
–– Ruth M. (Fochabers)
“…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.”
–– Lesley D. (Stirling)
“Dear Stuart, It is beautiful! The carving is perfect and I already feel a connection with it.”
–– Irene C. (Trossachs)
“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.”
–– Ilona M. (Melbourne, Australia)
“Hello there, Stuart. We are thrilled with what you have done, it is lovely.”
–– Lesley B. (Oamaru, New Zealand)
“I am so delighted with my ‘Pictish’ stone, which I’ve always dreamt of having. Thank you for making it come true.”
–– Jenny P. (Aberlour)
“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.”
–– Amanda B. (Edinburgh)
“Stuart, I don’t know what to say really apart from thank you…It’s perfect, exactly what I had in mind.”
–– Christine C. (Islay)