A renowned stickmaker from the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides will make one final journey to the Royal Welsh Show this summer as he competes in what he expects to be his last season on the agricultural show circuit.
Originally from Halifax in West Yorkshire, David moved to the Isle of Harris in 1972 while working as a carpenter. There he met his wife and after several years living on the mainland, the couple eventually returned to the family croft where she was born.
David’s stickmaking journey began in 1976 when he purchased a handcrafted stick from a local crofter for £5. Captivated by its decorative handle, he decided to try making one himself. Half a century later, ‘The Harris Stickmaker’ is recognised as one of the UK’s most respected stickmakers.
Over the years, David has earned numerous championship titles and awards at agricultural shows across the UK. His success has also brought him into contact with members of the Royal Family. During celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Harris Tweed Orb trademark, he presented the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, now Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with handcrafted walking sticks. He has also met The Princess Royal through the International Sheep Dog Trials.
David’s distinctive sticks are crafted from materials including ram’s horn, Highland cow horn and buffalo horn, combined with native woods such as hazel, blackthorn and cherry. Each piece is individually shaped and finished by hand.
David had long dreamed of competing at the Royal Welsh Show but felt the 600-mile journey from the Hebrides was simply too far. That changed when his granddaughter became engaged to a hill farmer near Oswestry, giving him a base from which to make the journey to Mid Wales and fulfil a long-held ambition by finally competing at the Royal Welsh in 2023.
Now 74 and facing deteriorating health, David has decided that 2026 will likely be his final year in competition, entering for one last time in the Royal Welsh, the Royal Highland and the Great Yorkshire, in what he describes as the top three shows in the country.
David is keen to pass the craft on to the next generation and teaches his skills to youngsters on the Isle, as well as his granddaughter when she comes to visit.
In recent years, much of David’s stickmaking has focused on charity work, with sticks donated to fundraising auctions in support of Prostate Cancer UK and the British Heart Foundation.
Among the several classes David will enter at the upcoming Royal Welsh Show is the unique “Lady’s and Gentleman’s” class, which requires competitors to produce a matching pair of intricately crafted sticks. For the class, David has created a pair from Shetland sheep horns, decorated in striking black and gold.
Reflecting on his dedication for stickmaking, David said:
“Stick making is not an easy craft to take on, and the judging can be extra critical, however it’s a true passion of mine which I find incredibly satisfying. I can whittle away the hours in my shed, surrounded by vices, presses and a clutter of tools, and it brings me immense joy.
“I’ve been making sticks for nearly 50 years and I’ve met wonderful people through the craft. I want to go out with a bang and if I could finish by winning at the Royal Welsh, that would be something very special.”
The stickmaking competition remains a popular feature of the Royal Welsh Show, attracting skilled craftsmen from across the UK and helping to preserve a traditional rural craft.
The classes will be judged on the opening day of this year’s Show, which takes place from 20–23 July at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
Full event details and ticket information are available on the RWAS website.