Perth and Kinross – dry stone bench, fire pit and path

This dry stone bench, firepit and path were constructed over January and February 2025 in the back garden of this property near to Glenfarg in Perth and Kinross.

All of the properties in this development have a 6 foot high soil and grass berm.  Built with an angle of 45 degrees, there’s really not a lot that the slope can used for.  When I was contacted to discuss the project, we had discussions about terracing the slope and incorporating a dry stone stone bench into the terrace.  Eventually we started thinking of a standalone bench and maybe adding terraces later.  This idea was developed a bit more to become the design I built but dug into the bank.

So over a chilly period after Xmas and fighting an energy sapping viral infection, 12 tonnes of Alston stone, 3 tonnes of sub-base and a tonne of gravel were used to create the bench and firepit.

We had discussed the various ways of topping off the dry stone wall – vertically sitting copes, flat caps and turf.  I’ve used all three in the past.  The turf was the prefered option as it would soften the effect of the stonework and tie the bench to the garden.  The turf idea got me thinking about sedum.  I have another job to cap with sedum later this year, and so when I suggested placing sedum mats on the wall, the clients loved the idea. I personally think it looks great, and once bedded in, the sedum will add spectacular colour to the garden.  And do so all year round.

After these were completed, and with some left over stone, setts and gravel, I made a curvy path to link the house patio to the bench.

Great clients and a nice location to work in.

All materials were supplied by Border Aggregates in Kelso apart from the sedum that came from Sedum Supply in Oswestry.

You can see more examples of my dry stone walling work on the projects page.