MCBLAIR DESIGN

Growing up on a farm, Alan learned to ‘mend and make do’ from an early age. He excelled in metal work, woodwork and art at school and achieved the highest mark in Scotland for his metal work practical exam. On leaving school Alan gained an HNC in Fabrication and Welding while pursuing a career as a blacksmith welder.

A passion for woodwork and a lockdown hobby led to the creation of Alan’s business, McBlair Design, which launched at Made in Stirling Christmas Market in October 2022. Alan now works full time creating artisan artwork, household and garden items from reclaimed wood.

He is self taught in pyrography which he uses to create unique art pieces. His showpiece item being a ‘Stirlingscape’ encompassing four iconic Stirling landmarks - Stirling Castle, Bruce Monument, Stirling Bridge and The Wallace Monument. This is hand carved and framed with lighting inlaid in the frame to enhance the piece.

All reclaimed wood has been sourced locally ensuring it does not end up in landfill, before the process of splitting, nail removal, drying, and sanding takes place. All necessary preparatory steps before the artwork commences.