A TALK on the enduring importance of tradition in craftsmanship will take centre stage in Alloa tonight.

The Friends of Clackmannanshire Heritage group will host a presentation by specialist carpenter Justin Rose, who till discuss the structures at the newly-restored Cowden Japanese Garden.

Justin has extensive experience in the field, with 24 years of traditional jointed structural framing, or "green oak framing", using various timbers and a range of styles.

He has worked for a fairly diverse group of companies in both Scotland and England, and for the last nine years has been running his own company.

During that time he has built houses, towers, bridges, castle roofs, Iron Age round houses, modern offices, Japanese buildings, staircases, palace doors and composting toilets.

He has worked on what is probably the largest timber structure built in Britain – Loch Lomond National Park Headquarters – as well as perhaps the smallest, a scaled down demonstration frame for Historic Environment Scotland.

Justin has also contributed to the carpentry and construction of a number of hand-built frames over the years, in some cases even converting the timber from the round using only traditional hand tools.

This evening, he will illustrate this unusual and fascinating talk with many examples of his work, focussing particularly on his contribution to the ongoing restoration and revival of the Japanese Garden at Cowden.

The talk will begin at 7.30pm in St Mungo's RC Church Hall, on Mar Street, and will be rounded off with refreshments and a raffle.

Non-members are very welcome, though organisers ask for a modest donation.

For more information about this and future events, contact Susan Mills on 07765 053879 or via email to susan.mills127@btinternet.com