The Full Circle: Edition 15
Editor’s letter
Issue 15 of The Full Circle is packed full of interesting articles as well as the usual ASHS news that, as ever, doesn’t disappoint. With much talk about how to get young people into the industry on all levels, it is great to read Ben Moore’s story of setting up and running a mobile mill in Moray. Alan Robertson continues the narrative of successful young businessmen, broadening the journal’s circle as our first contributing arborist. The Bridgend Bothy project in Edinburgh from Duncan Roberts is an inspiring story of community, ethnic diversity and equality.
In these troubled times it’s easy to feel helpless. Paul Hodgkiss, however, uses his creative abilities and resources to inspire a community into action, raising money for Ukraine. SFMA members Steven Finch, Kirsty MacDonald and Jonathan Rose offer us an insight into their thoughts and processes used to create their beautiful furniture. Ally Corbet gives us a fascinating and informative insight into his work with the Glasgow Green Network, creating green corridors for people and nature around Glasgow and helping avert climate change. Last but by no means least, carbon sequestration and other eco-tech words are demystified and explained, along with an educated conclusion of the outcomes from COP26 discussed by Alistair Christie from Galbraith.
So read on and enjoy.
Many thanks to all of our contributors and advertisers, as well as our funders and members, who enable The Full Circle to continue being published.
Steve McLean, Editor
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In this issue:
ASHS News & Updates
Key updates and developments from across the ASHS network, including member activity, industry news, and organisational announcements.
ASHS Buy and Sell Overview
Information on the new Buy and Sell email-based marketplace designed by ASHS to improve visibility, access, and flow of roundwood and materials across the membership.
SFMA – Thoughts on Timber Use
This piece offers reflections on native hardwoods, material character, and the relationship between timber selection and furniture-making practice, written by Stephen Finch of the Scottish Furniture Maker’s Association.
SK Furniture Design – Kirsty MacDonald
A profile of the work and journey of furniture maker Kirsty MacDonald, working with Scottish hardwoods.
Soft Kist – A Making Adventure
This piece explores an experimental commission shaped around softness in form, developed through a bespoke storage chest. Layered timber construction, coopered elements, and material testing all feed into a process-led approach where structure and tactility are developed in parallel rather than separately.
Changing the Routine – Picking the Wood First
A reflection on a materials-led approach to furniture making, exploring how starting with the timber itself can shape design decisions, challenge conventional commissioning routines, and lead to more instinctive, responsive pieces of work.
A Symbol of Hope for Ukraine
Community-led fundraising inspired by Ukraine, centred on engraved bread boards featuring a sunflower motif, bringing together volunteers and local businesses in a shared effort to support humanitarian relief.
Bridgend Bothy
Profile of the Bridgend Bothy project in Edinburgh, developed through SEDA’s SEDABuild initiative, combining timber framing, straw bale construction and lime render as part of a hands-on community build and learning process.
Alan Robertson Tree Care
The story of Robertson’s Tree Care, tracing the development of a tree surgery business built on field experience, equipment investment and team growth, alongside reflections on training, travel and life in arboriculture.
A New Generation of Sawmillers in Moray
Moore Timber Co. on the realities of mobile milling, exploring the challenges and opportunities of small-scale sawmilling, local timber supply chains and working within a close-knit forestry and wood community.
Glasgow’s Green Network
An overview of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network, highlighting its role in connecting green spaces, improving active travel routes, supporting biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience across the region.
Carbon & COP26
A summary of COP26 in Glasgow, covering the Glasgow Climate Pact and Paris Rulebook developments, alongside key themes including carbon markets, climate finance, net zero commitments and global progress on emissions reduction.
