A Lasting Presence In Sculpture And Engraving

A trusted family business since 1991

About Ballantynes of Walkerburn

After leaving the Parachute Regiment in 1990, Neil Ballantyne and his wife Michelle moved to the Scottish Borders and founded Ballantynes of Walkerburn with a simple-yet-powerful vision:

‘To capture the spirit of positive endeavour, believing that our work will uplift and brighten our customers’ lives.’

Now joined by three of their kids; James, Isobel and Stuart. We are a close-knit team of 15.

Ballantynes are the UK’s premier figurine manufacturer.

We are privileged to have our work presented to the elite military and service personnel around the world as well as being the chosen company for a large number of corporations.

Our Special Bottle Service and Crystal range continues to grow and is also now a well-established part of what we do.

We have ensured to take advantage of the evolving technologies in this world and now proudly generate our own power by solar.

But while a lot has changed, the heart of our vision – and how we deliver on it – has remained the same.

A family business focused on quality

Ballantynes remains a family business; we are committed to creating products that commemorate a lifetime of service, celebrate achievements and represent the true essence of honour.

Our pieces are items to be cherished. No two pieces are identical and every piece has been individually carefully handcrafted.

When you choose Ballantynes, you get more than just a statue, bottle or a crystal piece. You get high quality works from a small specialised group of people that brightens rooms, occasions and lives.

It’s a range that is second to none

Our Team

When Henry Ballantyne founded the village of Walkerburn in the 19th Century, he did so partly to serve the needs of the workers in his tweed mill. Today, we reflect this long heritage of respect for the people that make our business possible.

The Ballantynes team is made up of around 15 people, including several that have worked with us for over 20 years. They bring their creativity, talent and diligence to every item that leaves our factory – and we believe their hard work shows in every detail.

You can trust us

We work with customers from around the world, including the British military and emergency services, global corporations, and private individuals. They choose us for quality that speaks for itself in every figurine, glass, or bottle that leaves our factory – but it doesn’t stop there.

Family-owned and entirely autonomous, we’re able to protect our values at every stage of production.

As a result, you can be sure you’re working with a manufacturer you can truly believe in.

Craftmanship

Our close-knit team includes four senior craftsmen who have worked with us for more than two decades, giving us the wealth of experience it takes to create detailed and accurate sculptures and engravings.

People Centric

Every decision we make is first driven by our duty to deliver the finest quality items to our customers. Then, we prioritise our team, paying above the living wage and providing secure employment.

100% In-House

We protect our reputation for incredible quality by keeping all our statue production in-house, all the time. When you buy from us, you can be confident your item has come directly from our factory on the banks of the River Tweed.

Made in the UK

It’s not just our figurines. We source all of our bases, trays and packaging materials from UK-based suppliers, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and feeding back into our economy.

Sustainable

Beyond our ongoing reductions in waste materials, we refit our factory in 2015 to be more energy efficient. Our 30kW solar array provides more carbon free electricity than we use, protecting the serene environment around us without compromising on production.

Innovation

Uniquely, our approach blends the traditional techniques and skills of craftspeople with modern technology including precision design using the latest CAD technology.

How We Make Our Statuettes

Bronze Statues

Molds and Cases

Every case is unique and made to fit it's statue. The inner rubber mold has to regularly be repoured from the master to maintain the detail in each casting.

Casting

Using our secret recipe which we've perfected over the years, the bronze resin is mixed, poured into the mold and cured.

Fettling

Once the resin is set the statue is carefully removed from the mold. Next the base is sanded smooth and it moves to Fettling and Assembly.

Assembly

In fettling the seam lines are removed and any imperfections in the casting repaired. The statues are also assembled, some are cast in multiple parts and finer details like rifles are made in pewter since resin would break to easily.

Touching up

Once the statue is assembled it moves on for touching up. Here a special bronze resin is used blend the statue and pewter parts into a seamless piece.

Lacquer

In a final finish the statues recieves a coat of lacquer which seals the bronze and gives it extra lustre.

Mounting the brass plate on the wooden base

Base and Brass Plate

In final assembly of the statue the brass plate is engraved with the wording and mounted on the wooden base. A cap badge can also be added to the statue.

Packaging

Each statue is packed in special expanding foam to offer maximum protection wherever in the world it is going.