We had a fantastic time collecting our Guild of Master Craftsmen award for engraving last week. Here's just some of the local press coverage.

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A Falkirk businessman has just become the first Engraver in Scotland to be awarded membership to the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Craftsman Phil Townsend (53) is the only Engraver in Scotland to become a member of the prestigious Guild. Phil, who runs a thriving online personalised gifts business called Tartan Trader, was brought to the Guild’s attention by a delighted customer. He successfully passed a rigorous selection process that involved showcasing his skills for a visiting Assessor and a customer survey, which confirmed his glowing customer service record. The Guild of Master Craftsmen made Tartan Trader’s membership official on 23 April.

Phil said: “I was thrilled when I heard Tartan Trader had been nominated for the award. I already knew about the Guild by reputation, so I really felt like all our hard work had been recognised. I started Tartan Trader seven years ago from nothing, and to be acknowledged as one of the best Engravers in the UK in such a short time is just amazing.”

Phil and his Tartan Trader team were presented the Guild of Master Craftsmen award at a glittering ceremony at Glenbervie House Hotel, Stirling, on Wednesday 17 June. The awards were hosted by the Much Honourable Duncan W. Pasley of Westerlea, who is the Guild’s Chief Assessor in Scotland.

The Guild of Master Craftsmen recognises excellence in crafts of all kinds, and only those craftsmen who meet its high standards are awarded membership. Phil is one of the few Engravers in the whole of the UK to be distinguished as a Master Craftsman.

“I’m so grateful that our recipe of excellent customer service and top-notch products has saved us from feeling the worst effects of the Credit Crunch. We’re not immune to the economic squeeze, but with some planning and landmarks like membership of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, we can go from strength to strength.”

Margaret, Phil’s wife and business partner said: “we’ve had really positive feedback from our customers since our membership was awarded. It’s been a great boost for business, especially with the wedding season, one of our busiest times, getting into full swing.”