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Arlo Artwork

Elizabeth and Bill Cordiner established their business in 1970 to make a range of honest Scottish craftwork of their own design and manufacture. The range includes rings, bangles, earrings, pendants etc in silver, copper and steel. Many are set with natural gemstones.

As an escape from routine jewellery-making, in l978, Bill and Liz started making the traditional Scottish activity toy known as a gird and cleek. This is a toy many will remember fondly from their childhood and is designed to improve the fitness of children. No child's (of any age) visit is complete without an attempt to master the 'Drumlanrig Demon' Gird & Cleek and expert tuition is freely available to beginners! Here's a wee poem by Mr G Swanson about his favourite mode of transport.

The Gird

This Gird O'mine, A sample thing -
thin rod o'steel to form a ring.
To that attached we have a cleek
as we prepare to tak the street.

Nay stops to make at petrol pump,
for M.O.T, nay cash to stump.
The Music from this metal ring,
it's like as only birds can sing.

On pavement or on asphalt ground,
Cobble stones their own sweet sound.
The miles roll by, you're in control,
Your feet decide how far you go.

Nay hills too steep, nay road too rough
provided you provide the "Puff".
Power, it comes from leg and airm.
It never gies us any hairm.

With gas and oil in short supply,
transport problems now apply.
I've travelled miles free as a bird.
I'll aye get hame, I've got ma gird.

By Mr G Swanson 1985

The Cordiners have their Studios 3 & 4 at Drumlanrig Castle Stableyard, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway, DG3 4AG, Tel: 01848 331330