Wood firm to exhibit at show

A north-east furniture maker will represent Aberdeenshire at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Turriff firm Ochre and Wood has been invited to the event to highlight the region’s assets at an ‘Aberdeenshire village’ which will be created within the showground.

The village will showcase work from crafters and artists from across the north-east, including food and antiques.

Mike Whittal owns Ochre and Wood and regularly exhibits his work as part of the North East Open Studios (NEOS) initiative.

Last night, he said: “NEOS artists open their studio doors to members of the public every September, but this initiative with the Aberdeenshire village will give visitors to the Highland Show from all over the country the opportunity to see us at work, learn more about how and why we make what we do, as well as be able to buy direct from us, which always adds special resonance.

“It’s a great insight into Aberdeenshire beyond oil – its fantastic creative industries and wealth of homegrown food and drink.

“Farming is interwoven into so many of these, so it will be great to be at the Highland Show and share our part of the story.

“We love to give wood new life through creating something useful as well as beautiful to use, which will last for years to come.”

The 177th Royal Highland Show runs from June 22 to June 25 at Ingliston, near Edinburgh.

Mike Whittal, owner of Ochre and Wood