Martin Whitfield MSP has praised a showcase of woodworking and turning produced by three young people from Preston Lodge and North Berwick High Schools following placements with local business Why-Aye Wood.

The Cockenzie House-based business is working in conjunction with East Lothian Works to take on placements of pupils from local schools and help them develop their knowledge and skills about woodwork.

As well as the young people themselves, Dylan, Josh and Thomas, and their parents, ward councillor Brooke Ritchie and fellow local councillors John McMillan and Shamin Akhtar were also in attendance.

Speaking after the showcase, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“It was a real pleasure to attend a showcase of the work by three young people from East Lothian schools (including one my former pupils) who have been working with Why-Aye Wood to build their knowledge and skills in woodworking and turning.

“Arranged in conjunction with East Lothian Works, the placements have clearly been hugely beneficial to them and their work was really outstanding and impressive. Very well done to Dylan, Josh and Thomas and many thanks to Allan and Lee for inviting me along to the showcase.”

Allan Robertson of Why-Aye Wood said:

“I was really pleased to agree these placement opportunities with local schools and it’s been a pleasure to work with Josh, Dylan and Thomas and see their progress over the last few months. We felt it was important to recognise and share their achievements and it was great that so many people took the time to come along and find out more what they’ve been doing.

“I hope that this will just be the start of an ongoing arrangement with local schools so that more young people can have the opportunity to come on placements to help enhance their woodworking and turning skills with us.”