A Caithness artist, specialising in wood turning, has had a unique piece of work profiled as part of the launch of the new www.craftscotland.org website.

Michael O'Donnell, from Thurso, who has been a woodturner for 30 years, was commissioned to produce a version of the new craftscotland logo to celebrate the launch of the new site, which will showcase Scottish crafts nationally and internationally.

Michael's creation, which was made from turned, polished and sandblasted Perthshire oak, was unveiled alongside other logos that were recreated from textiles, stone and plastic, to crafts professionals and policy makers from around the world at the Challenging Craft International Conference in Aberdeen this month, when the new website was also launched.

The new website, initiated and funded by the Scottish Arts Council, will enable visitors to access and experience the best contemporary work and provide a gateway to all crafts- based activities in Scotland.  At the heart of the site is a searchable database which gives every maker and craft outlet in Scotland their own webpage, while the site will also provide information about crafts news and events across the country.

There are more than 3,000 crafts-based businesses across Scotland, estimated to be worth almost £150 million to the Scottish economy.  The need for a focal point for Scottish crafts has been widely accepted in the crafts community for some times and the new website will create a 'virtual' home where makers can exchange information, access opportunities and improve professional and entrepreneurial skills.

The 'craftscotland' brand will now form the foundation for promoting Scottish craft both at home and internationally.  A charitable company has been established to oversee this exciting new concept.

Professor Ian Pirie, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Technology at Robert Gordon University and Chair of the craftscotland Board, said: "The website and the brand have the potential to make a real difference to the future of crafts in Scotland both by promoting the skills and creativity of our world-class makers, and by establishing a focal point for the crafts community."

Dr Helen Bennett MBE, Head of Crafts at the Scottish Arts Council,  added: " www.craftscotland.org gives every maker in Scotland the opportunity to promote and sell their work nationally and internationally and will make their work visible to everyone interested in Scottish craft.  The new site demonstrates the quality and professionalism of the crafts sector here  and we are proud to be launching it at the Challenging Craft international conference in the presence of craft professionals and policy makers from around the world."