Jedburgh-based precision measurement specialist Starrett (
www.starrett.co.uk) has donated an assortment of its hand tools to Scottish craftsman Campbell Deeming for his project to create a captain’s sea chest from the last remaining piece of deck from HMS Nelson, which was built in the 1920s and played a pivotal role in the Second World War.
The chest will be offered to the commanding officer of the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. To complete this project, Mr Deeming will use 19th-century carpentry techniques.
Starrett has given him a double steel square with three graduated blades and two combination squares — one with a 150mm satin chrome rule and one with a 300mm satin chrome rule.
Mr Deeming, who studied boat building at the International Boat Building College in Suffolk, said: “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to create something of such historical significance, and Starrett was my first port of call when embarking on the project.
“Having had experience with the company’s hand measurement tools in the past, I know they are unrivalled in both quality and precision — essential factors in this project. Starrett’s generosity has been gratefully welcomed.”
John Cove, marketing manager at Starrett, said: “It’s always refreshing to hear the new ways our tools are being used.
“This project will give a piece of history a new lease of life, which Campbell hopes to see passed down the Navy for generations to come. The team at Starrett wish him the best of luck in his endeavour, and we look forward to seeing the finished product.”
The three-month project is being documented by Scottish Television and the BBC.