Silver service resumes in Banff
BANFF is once again set to be renowned for the historic craft of silversmithing after a new centre opened in the community.
Hundreds of years ago the town was well-known for creating much-sought-after pieces of silver.
Now the clatter of tools and the heat of the forge will come alive again in The Smiddy, which is located at Old Market Place.
It is being operated by Vanilla Ink and is being run by Alison Arrowsmith, from Whitehills, a highly experienced project manager and designer, who will fulfil role of workshop co-ordinator, and silversmith and tool-maker Megan Falconer, who also hails from north Aberdeenshire.
Director of Vanilla Ink Kate Pickering said: "Scott and I have been eager to get started.
"In addition to the courses, we're looking forward to working alongside partners in the town and beyond to further explore the local cultural offering.
"A huge thank you must go to the collaborators and funders and we are excited to grow and develop The Smiddy.
"Banff was chosen for its history with silversmithing and we are going to revive that and give it a new lease of life."
The building was refurbished as part of the Banff Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme and as a result of funding from Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.
The Smiddy's aim is to appeal to all skill levels, offering a wide range of courses for people across the board – from complete beginners, right through to highly skilled masters of their craft.
It will also aim to attract visitors from both near and far, including tourists looking to add something different to their visits to Banff.
The Smiddy was officially opened by Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson last Friday. He struck the hammer on the first piece of silver, which will be made into a bowl and will be exhibited.
He said: "There is a long and distinguished history with silversmithing in this part of the world.
"Two hundred years ago there were 24 silversmiths in the town whose output was prolific and gained national recognition.
"This building's refurbishment forms a large part of the regeneration of the town.
"It is good to see the community support and pride it has in the project."
Silversmithing has a vibrant network within Scotland and spreads all across the whole of the UK. This means that Banff will benefit from the connections and relationships which Ms Pickering and fellow director Scott McIntyre have fostered over the years.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: "The re-birth of the silversmithing industry in Banff will mean the best training possible, which will potentially work towards incubator businesses in the longer term.
"It will ensure that in particular, the cultural offering in the town will have a new and specialist strand which will attract a lot of attention."
* See this week's Banffshire Journal for more photos from the opening event.
