Time is right for engineer with sundial

A CAPITAL craftsman is beaming after scooping a major design gong for his striking sundial.

Retired engineer Alastair Hunter was honoured at the British Sundial Society's design awards after winning the top prize in the professional category.

Mr Hunter, who worked for specialist sundial manufacturer Macmillan Hunter in Edinburgh, was celebrated for his entry Solar Time I which was installed at the National Trust For Scotland's Greenbank Garden, Glasgow, in 2009.

The Macmillan Hunter sundial was particularly praised for its engineering precision, detail and educational value.

Speaking of the award, Mr Hunter said: "My interest in sundials goes back to a case of mild sunstroke when I was on holiday in Northern Cyprus. It got me thinking about constructing a sundial for my own garden back in Edinburgh."