A woodworking showcase created by three talented East Lothian high school pupils has won plaudits from councillors and a local MSP.

The three young people – Dylan Mackintosh and Josh Stevenson, from Preston Lodge High School, and Thomas McIntosh, from North Berwick High School – have been on placements with innovative local small business Why-Aye Wood to help them develop their skills for entering the world of work.

Why-Aye Wood is a woodworking supply store based at Cockenzie House and Gardens which also offers woodturning courses for beginners and beyond.

The placements were arranged in conjunction with East Lothian Council’s employability service East Lothian Works.

They provided the three young people with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills of woodworking and turning, and produce a range of items.

The showcase at Cockenzie House was organised to let the boys’ parents, teachers and local politicians see their work and hear more about their experience of the placements and what they had gained from them.

Allan Robertson, of Why-Aye Wood, was delighted to have the boys work with him at the store and was proud to see how well they all progressed with their skills.

He said: “I was really pleased to agree these placement opportunities with local schools and it’s been a pleasure to work with Josh, Dylan and Thomas and see their progress over the last few months.

“We felt it was important to recognise and share their achievements, and it was great that so many people took the time to come along and find out more about what they’ve been doing.

“I hope that this will just be the start of an ongoing arrangement with local schools so that more young people can have the opportunity to come on placements to help enhance their woodworking and turning skills with us.”

Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, echoed Allan’s sentiments and was happy to see young people from the county succeeding in the work environment.

He said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to attend this showcase of the work of three young people from local schools, including one of my former pupils.

“The placements with Why-Aye Wood have clearly been hugely beneficial to them and the quality of their work was outstanding.

“Very well done to Dylan, Josh and Thomas, and many thanks for inviting me along to the showcase.”

Councillor Brooke Ritchie, Preston Seton Gosford ward member, added: “These placements and what Dylan, Josh and Thomas have gained from them are great examples of how East Lothian Works is collaborating with local businesses to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to join the workforce.

“I commend Why-Aye Wood and the staff at East Lothian Works for setting them up, and Dylan, Josh and Thomas for all their hard work.”