For years, the story from Aberdeen, 'the granite city', has been of the decline of the industry that defines it. So when Pisani's Scottish operation of Fyfe Glenrock opened a new stone centre in Oldmeldrum, north-west of Aberdeen, at the beginning of August the regional press and television were there to record the event. Director Allan Bruce was interviewed and appeared on the lunchtime and evening television news. Afterwards he said: "We had a great day."

On a bright, sunny Friday, the three-acre site with its showroom and offices separated from the factory, was officially opened by Angus Farquharson, the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, in front of a gathering of 120 customers and dignitaries. The Lord Lieutenant unveiled a plaque recording the deed and said how pleased he was to see a company with a provenance going back to John Fyfe in 1847 keeping alive a traditional industry and bringing it into the 21st century.