Silver

The Scottish Thistle in Contemporary Silver

6 November 2026

Kier Alexander

Hayward & Stott and the Art of Scottish Silversmithing

Few symbols are as closely associated with Scotland as the thistle. Its distinctive form has appeared across the country's decorative arts for generations, from engraved silverware and jewellery to ceremonial objects. Yet its appeal is not simply historical. For contemporary silversmiths, the thistle continues to offer a remarkably versatile starting point for design.

This relationship between heritage and modern craftsmanship is particularly evident in the work of Hayward & Stott, whose contemporary silver brings a distinctly Scottish character to drinking vessels, sporting accessories and objects for the home.

A Scottish Tradition, Reimagined

The history of Scottish silver is closely connected to the country's social and cultural traditions. Drinking vessels, presentation pieces and sporting trophies have long served as objects of both practical use and personal significance.

Among the most recognisable is the quaich, the traditional two-handled drinking vessel associated with hospitality and friendship. Silver quaichs remain popular as gifts and commemorative objects, demonstrating how historic forms continue to find a place in modern life.

The thistle, meanwhile, offers silversmiths a decorative motif with considerable sculptural possibilities. Its distinctive flower head, leaves and stem can be interpreted through engraving, casting and shaping, allowing a familiar emblem to become part of an object's design rather than simply an applied ornament.

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The Thistle Collection

Founded in 1999 by Charlie Stott and Jeremy Hayward, Hayward & Stott initially dealt in Scottish antiques before moving into the design and production of sterling silverware.

In 2019, the company launched its Thistle Collection, designed by Hamish Dobbie. The collection brought together contemporary silver objects inspired by Scottish heritage, sporting traditions and leisure pursuits.

Among its most distinctive pieces are tactile thistle goblets and beakers, where the national emblem becomes an integral part of the vessel's form.

These objects demonstrate how traditional Scottish imagery can be interpreted with a modern sensibility. Their appeal lies not only in their decorative character but in the relationship between craftsmanship, symbolism and everyday use.

Sporting Silver: Golf and the Scottish Connection

Scotland's sporting heritage provides another important source of inspiration for Hayward & Stott. Silver golf putters and peg markers reflect a longstanding tradition of sporting presentation pieces, in which objects associated with a particular pursuit are elevated through the use of precious metal and specialist craftsmanship.

Unlike conventional trophies, these objects also have a personal quality. They can commemorate an occasion, celebrate a shared interest or become part of a collection devoted to sporting silver. For collectors, such pieces offer an interesting meeting point between Scottish history, contemporary design and the decorative arts.

Contemporary Scottish Silver at Auction

Lyon & Turnbull's November 2026 Five Centuries auction includes a selection of Hayward & Stott silver, offering an opportunity to appreciate the breadth of the company's designs. Highlights include a sterling silver golf putter and peg markers, alongside thistle goblets and beakers that demonstrate the company's recognisable approach to Scottish silver.

For collectors of contemporary silver, these objects illustrate how modern makers continue to draw on established traditions while developing individual approaches to form and decoration. They also offer an accessible introduction to collecting Scottish silver beyond the Georgian and Victorian periods.

Designers & Makers

Hayward & Stott

Scottish Founded 1999

The Appeal of Scottish Silver

The attraction of Scottish silver has never rested solely on its age. From historic drinking vessels to contemporary studio pieces, its appeal lies equally in the skill of its makers, the quality of its design and the traditions it represents.

Hayward & Stott's work provides a modern expression of that heritage, showing how familiar Scottish motifs can remain relevant without losing their historical associations.

Silver Auctions & Objets de Vertu Auctions: Edinburgh, Glasgow, London & Online

Department

Silver & Objets de Vertu

Specialist

Kier Alexander

Specialist, Silver & Objets de Vertu