Carving out career in traditional man’s world Heather follows grandfather

A Lochaber woman is carving out a career for herself in what is traditionally a man’s world.

Heather Gibson makes shepherd’s crooks and walking sticks – and she even has a royal fan.

HRH Prince Charles ordered 20 of her walking sticks as presents and told her he was delighted with them.

The 33-year-old who lives on the Fassfern estate near Kinlocheil, is following a long family tradition by making her sticks.

She said: “Both my grandfather and father made them and I used to watch them working when I was little. I suppose it is unusual for a woman to make these sticks, but it is a very old traditional craft.”

Ms Gibson explained that they are either made out of wood, antler or horn – which can be ram or buffalo.

“The buffalo horn is imported from either China, Vietnam or India. It takes between 80 and 250 hours to make a single crook or stick as the raw horn has to be filed down and shaped.

“The ends are also carved with different designs – I’ve done dogs, horses, dragons and even golf balls – they are all unique.

“I was thrilled when Prince Charles ordered walking sticks”

“I don’t copy these from pictures or photos, but I visualise what I want to do in my head while I am carving.”

Ms Gibson, who is originally from Duns in the Scottish Borders, came to Fassfern two years ago with her partner. She said: “I used to work at Duns Castle but decided to concentrate on my arts and crafts fulltime when I came to Lochaber.

“I was thrilled when Prince Charles ordered my walking sticks. He was delighted with them and gave them to tenants on his estate in Cornwall as Christmas presents.”

The craftswoman, who is self-taught, also produces various pieces of needlework, makes jewellery and paints.

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK: Heather Gibson with her handcrafted walking sticks