Stuart felt career wood suit him fine

Aug 7 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

EDWIN LAWRENCE meets a man who quit his career to pursue a dream.

SO you’ve got an honours degree in engineering. And you’re well set up in a career with a go-ahead firm.

You’ve got a wife to support, and at 35, your responsibilities are growing daily.

So what do you do?

Well, if you’re Stuart Clachan, you pack in your career and start a new one!

Stuart admits his heart ruled his head in making the decision.

But he’s a big-hearted guy – with a big talent to match.

Stuart has launched his own furniture-making business, Clachan Wood.

And he’s based down on a farm the Clachan family once owned.

His workshop is at Burnside Farm, on the coast near Girvan.

These days the farm buildings are owned by his father-in-law, former Ayr United chairman George Smith.

Burnside is simply a family home these days – and George is delighted the barns are being used again.

Stuart’s main workshop is in a former seed potato barn.

But he has other buildings at his disposal – one with a giant sanding machine, another housing a wood-drying kiln.

So Stuart is very well equipped for his new venture – in more ways than one.

For he also made sure his skills were right up to the mark with hands-on studying at the Chippendale International School of Furniture.

Stuart loved it, and again it was based on a farm, this time in East Lothian.

He honed skills that craftsman have used for centuries, but only a select few can deliver them in the modern era.

Stuart said: “It was a very worthwhile thing to do. All the skills are covered – inlays, gilding, French polishing – you name it.

“We had some fascinating visits to private collections, to see classic furniture. And yes, there were plenty of secret compartments.”

Stuart’s background in engineering has proved a major asset.

And he’s made items like a chair with a swivelling back-rest.

He’s also made a wooden clutch bag for wife Janey, complete with beautiful inlay.

Stuart’s farming connections are enabling him to acquire quality hardwood, in the form of fallen trees.

And a day’s work can see him using everything from a chainsaw to a scalpel.

He’s hopeful of picking up commissions from people looking for something unique for their homes.

And he’s also fully qualified to take on restoration of antique furniture.

Check out his website www.clachanwood.co.uk for more on what Stuart can offer.