A VIOLIN maker has crafted a violin from driftwood found on an East Lothian beach to help raise awareness about the environment and the plight of the oceans.

Steve Burnett found the poplar log at Yellowcraig, near Dirleton, two years ago and recently finished making the instrument.

It was unveiled ahead of World Oceans Day today (Friday) and was played for the first time in the sea at the beach, by musician Thoren Ferguson.

The violin is being endorsed by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and will be taken to schools and communities as well as being used at events to highlight environmental issues.

The instrument, which Mr Burnett, of Edinburgh, has named Il Mare (Italian for the sea), is inscribed inside with the words, “A voice from, and for the sea”.

Mr Burnett said: “I’ve been looking for a suitable piece of wood for about 20 years every time I’ve been down at the beach.”