A Garden Built for Purpose,
Community & Giving Back
Friends of Stoneworks Orkney celebrates traditional stonework in a modern and meaningful way. What began as a single project has grown into a unique garden space that brings people together, with weekly live feeds connecting our wider community and supporting others across Orkney.
What to expect when visiting our garden
Our full-size stone Chevy truck began as an idea outside the house and grew into something much bigger. Built entirely by hand from stone, it represents the spirit of the garden - doing things differently, building with purpose, and bringing people together through curiosity, creativity and conversation
The vIewing area
Originally this area was created so visitors could sit and look across the whole garden from the far side of the pond. As the garden became more popular and visitor numbers grew, we had to protect the stone chairs by closing that area off, A low wall was then built so everyone can still enjoy the views while helping preserve the stonework.
Our stone built orkney chairs
These unique seats have been recreated entirely in stone. Built as part of the feature wall overlooking the garden, they combine a well-known piece of Orkney heritage with modern stone craftmanship and form part of the character of the garden.
The orkney wedding cog
One of the most unusual pieces in our garden is a stone Orkney wedding cog. Traditionally made from wood, a wedding cog is used at Orkney wedding receptions to share a hot drink around the hall. The bride and groom begin the sharing, and the cog is then passed around the guests and refilled throughout the celebration.
Our version has been carefully recreated entirely in stone, alongside a matching whisky glass. Made using red and white sandstone with bands formed from reclaimed copper pipe, it brings a well-known piece of Orkney tradition into the garden in a completely unique way.
One of the most striking features in the garden is the stone Dome. Built entirely from Orkney stone, the dome was designed to create a unique gathering place within the garden. The curved stone structure produces natural acoustics, making it an ideal setting for music and small live performances.
Today the Dome is used for our regular live feeds, bringing musicians together in a setting unlike anywhere else. Surrounded by stonework and the garden landscape, it has quickly become one of the most memorable places for visitors.
THE STONE DOME
This is not just a book.
It is a life rebuilt, one stone at a time
After years of personal struggle and loss, John Hamilton found healing not through words alone, but through stone. What began as a way to cope became a purpose - transforming raw rock into meaning, memory, and beauty.
Set in Orkney, this deeply personal story follows the creation of the Friends of Stoneworks Orkney garden, a remarkable place filled with hand - crafted sculptures, traditional forms, and powerful symbols.
From the stone Orkney chairs and wedding cog to the iconic stone Chevrolet truck and the Dome, each piece holds a chapter of recovery, resilience, and hope.
All proceeds from this book sales help support the work of Friends of Stoneworks Orkney, helping continue creating and supporting local causes.