Welcome to The Bowl Shed
A quiet corner where timber, tools, and imagination meet.
Here, I turn locally sourced wood—cracked, green, and full of character—into handcrafted bowls with stories in their grain.
Whether you’re here out of curiosity, appreciation, or just passing through, I hope you’ll find something that speaks to you. The Shed isn’t about polished perfection—it’s about personality, patience, and the simple joy of working with your hands.
Take a look around and enjoy the journey.
The Workshop — A glimpse into Stuart McLean’s shed, where every bowl begins.
The tale of an artisan
Hi, I’m Stuart.
I’ve had a soft spot for woodturning ever since school—back when I made little pieces for the jumble sale and lost myself in the rhythm of shaping timber.
In 2021, just before my 65th birthday, I decided to take early retirement. I mentioned the plan to my family, and my daughters instantly knew I’d need something to keep my hands busy. One of them remembered how much I’d loved woodturning all those years ago, and that Christmas they surprised me with a small lathe.
It didn’t take long for the bug to bite again.
One lathe turned into two, and now most of my days are spent in the workshop—surrounded by shavings, tools, and timber with stories waiting to be told. I mostly turn bowls, working with green wood for its movement and character. I try to source locally from Scottish forests, which are full of unique grain, shape, and charm.
When the wood’s on the plain side, I get creative. Maybe it needs a pop of colour, a natural inlay, or a touch of resin to bring out what’s hidden underneath. The goal isn’t to cover up imperfections—it’s to celebrate them.
I’m not chasing flawless perfection—though my daughters might say otherwise. For me, it’s about finding that sweet spot where character, craft, and a bit of stubborn refinement meet. That’s what The Bowl Shed is really about: giving unique timber a second life and letting its story shine through.