Wigtownshire-born sculptor receives prestigious honour

A Wigtownshire-born sculptor has received a prestigious honour.

James Parker and the team at Drystone Walling Perthshire have received the Certificate of Merit from the Dry Stone Walling Association – an accolade which recognises exceptional projects using dry stone walling in Great Britain.

It was the first such certificate to be awarded in Scotland since 2006 and only the seventh north of the border since the Pinnacle Award Scheme began in 1994.

The award was presented for work on a doocot commissioned by Sir Fraser and Lady Morrison of Teasses Estate in Fife.

The doocot was designed by James, of James Parker sculpture, and stands more than four metres tall.

Around 40 tonnes of stone was needed and working alongside James were Martin Tyler, Stevie Gordon and Findlay Reade of Drystone Walling Perthshire.

James said: “A project like this is a once in a lifetime experience; an opportunity to demonstrate skills and techniques in dry stone walling and to create a structure that will exist for many, many years.

“To be recognised by the DSWA for the doocot is a real honour.

“My grateful thanks go to Martin, Stevie and Findlay of Drystone Walling Perthshire who built the doocot alongside me and to Sir Fraser and Lady Morrison for commissioning the project. I hope it brings them and visitors to Teasses a great deal of pleasure.”

DSWA’s Pinnacle Award co-ordinator, Sean Adcock, said: “The award scheme seeks to inspire people to commission work like the doocot and it is encouraging to see young wallers and designers working on exciting projects such as these that can be enjoyed by the public for many years to come.”