"One of the bast days of my life has to be the day we opened the Studio" - Neal Hately. 

As a dedicated craftsman, Neal wouldm love to spend all of his waking hours in his beloved Studio - throwing pots, conversing with customers, encouraging his students.

But in reality his world is a little more complicated than that. 

On his working croft (a Highland farm) he nurtures a flock of some sixty sheep. As an experienced educationalist he takes an active part in local school matters. As a respected member of the community his aid and advice is often sought. And finally as a husband and father of twins, his commitment to family values is undoubted.

Asked what his ambition is, he explains that in Japan the highly respected potters are known as Living National Monuments. 

"It would be nice if, one day, someone described me as a Living National Monument." - Neal.