5 July 2016

A bench hand crafted by Modern Apprentice stonemasons from a single piece of Clashach stone from Moray has been presented to Her Majesty The Queen to mark her 90th birthday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon presented the gift, carved with a rose, Lion Rampant and stag’s head motifs, on behalf of the people of Scotland during the Royal Garden Party at The Palace of Holyroodhouse. (Picture below courtesy of Andrew Milligan / PA Wire/Press Association Images)

The bench was designed by Historic Environment Scotland and crafted by Modern Apprentice stonemasons based in Elgin, while the timber seating slats are made from elm timber from HM’s garden at The Palace of Holyroodhouse were carved by joiners at Holyrood.