The handcrafted sign at the entrance to the Victoria Scottish Community Centre is a testament to ancient trades, including traditional stone carving, blacksmithing, and authentic stonemasonry techniques. Designed and crafted by Heritage Masonry, an Esquimalt-based business co-owned by Gavin Chamberlain and Liam Hall, the sign uniquely incorporates local materials from Vancouver Island.

A standout feature of the project is the hand-carved unicorn, Scotland’s national animal, sculpted by master carver and award-winning Duncan-based artist Andrew Swinley via Heritage Masonry. The unicorn is carved from a sandstone boulder sourced from Gabriola Island, generously donated by BC Marble Products in Chemainus.

Complementing the unicorn carving, a finely crafted forged metal thistle, Scotland’s national flower, was created by acclaimed Metchosin-based sculptor Jake James, adding depth to the sign’s symbolic significance.