Ross Cunnison is proving that a relatively simple piece of furniture can be made wonderful with creative talent and a lot of skill.

Ross, originally from Stonehaven but now living in Edinburgh, came on our professional course after ten years working offshore in the oil and gas sector.

He decided to enrol on the course having been on one of our one-week introductory courses last year, and greatly enjoyed the experience.

It’s a suck-it-and-see approach that we endorse, because our introductory course is designed to give students a chance to fully decide whether a career in woodworking is for them – and, if so, their one-week fees are deducted from the professional course fees.

Ross, who also studied geophysics at the University of Edinburgh, is currently making a side cabinet or credenza from olive ash, with two beautifully-dovetailed drawers and two cupboards, perhaps for spirits bottles and glasses and vinyl records.

The creative flourish of this piece incorporates a waterfall edge, with the grain of the wood perfectly falling from the cabinet’s top and down its sides, turning a functional piece of furniture into something very special.

We will of course bring you a picture of the finished cabinet.