For the last couple of years, the school has attracted several students from India, and this year we welcome Rohit Heda, from the city of Belgaum in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Rohit has a degree in commerce and was working in the family’s textile business before he enrolled at the Chippendale school.

He saw a newspaper article featuring another former Chippendale student from India, and this started his journey from the subcontinent to Scotland.

He hopes to return to his native city and open his own workshop, to take advantage of India’s fast-growing economy.

Rohit believes that, while greater wealth has fuelled a market for fine furniture, there is still a shortage of skilled designers and makers able to fulfil demand.

He describes his experience of Scotland so far as being “amazing” – and, even though winter has yet to set in, likes the Scottish weather!