How it all started...

On a clear morning of late summer, I was visited in my workshop by some representatives of the Dunedin School in Edinburgh and by Elizabeth Ballantyne Brown and her husband Dr Alan Brown. Also with them came retired cellist David Edward whose reputation has lasted well beyond the 20 odd years of his retirement. Sure this was arranged and I was waiting for them along with my friend Stephen Adams, cellist of the Scottish Opera who himself owns one of my cellos.
Elizabeth was the godmother of a young very talented musician - she played sax and flute - whose name was Victoria Herrald. In 2007, this young lady was to know a tragic end with cancer despite her youth.
4 years later, at the request of Victoria's mum, Elizabeth set herself to raise funds in order to commission a high standard cello in the memory of Victoria and that cello would be used both to raise founds for musical education within Dunedin School and to be given on loan to a young talented cellist who otherwise couldn't afford such an instrument.
An incredible number of people gave founds generously into the project, especially Victoria close family.
Victoria's grandparents used to live in the building which now houses the Dunedin School, hence its involvement in the project.
I am very touched and very proud to be the one violin maker asked to make that cello. I was also asked to dedicate the instrument in the form of specific art used in violin making...