Scottish furniture school profile raised with MEP visit

Annabelle Ewing MSP, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, popped into the internationally renowned Chippendale International School of Furniture , near Gifford, last Wednesday.

The Minister was at the school to see how young Scots can forge successful careers as furniture designers, makers and restorers. The school, recognised internationally as a centre of woodworking excellence, takes in students from around the world.

This year, students from as far afield as the USA, Canada, Norway, Italy and Trinidad and Tobago have joined UK students in signing up for the intensive course.

During her visit, the Minister met four of the students, who are planning woodworking careers after graduation in June.

Mrs Ewing MSP said: “It is wonderful to see such talented students keeping traditional skills alive and carrying on the well-earned reputation of the school.

“There is such a beauty to the work of these designers, wood workers and restorers and it is clear that this is a career where the methods that have been honed over decades and centuries can be combined with modern influences.

“I would hope that the success of the students I have met will inspire more young people to follow this path.”

The visit ties in with furniture designed and made by graduating students featuring at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in June.

Anselm Fraser, principal of the Chippendale International School of Furniture,  said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister and to raise the profile of woodworking as a career option.

“Many young people and their careers advisors are unaware that a nine-month course at the Chippendale School will provide all the skills they need to set up in business – and we also have incubation space where graduating students can immediately begin their own careers.”

See more on the East Lothian Courier’s website.

Visit the school’s website for more details on courses.