Stuart was brought, by his parents, from the Midlands, to the small island of Pabay, just off Broadford on the Isle of Skye, in 1949. The chance discovery of boulder clay as his father was digging a drainage ditch led to playing with clay, then on to a hobby which was to later develop the passion for ceramics and pottery that is today the heart of Edinbane Pottery.
Stuart returned to Skye after a Degree in Drawing and Painting at Glasgow School of Art, & with his late father, founded Edinbane Pottery in 1971, with a sense of adventure and plenty of unbridled enthusiasm. Establishing the various facilities required, and working through a number of kilns allowed Stuart to experiment, expand and develop the unique Edinbane Pottery style.
In the early 80’s Stuart built both a woodfired & a salt glaze kiln, adding to his repertoire many of the ceramic finishes and glaze effects that are at the heart of much of the Pottery’s work today.
With all of the building work to do, as well as the pottery, firing, sales, marketing and general business management, Stuart has regularly employed a small number of potters from the world over. Each person brings their own contribution, new ideas, experience etc., even a sense of humour!
Julie McWhirter joined the pottery in 1998 and is now married to Stuart.
Andreas Meuller joined the pottery in 2006.
