Owner, John McKenzie’s history in blacksmith metal fabrication began as a modern apprentice back in 1995 when he worked for a firm called Edinburgh Fabrication, for 4 years. During his time there, he carried out all types of metalwork in the blacksmith trade including; the fabrication of gates, railings, and handrails. Whilst working there, he carried out his studies at Telford College, Edinburgh, and in 1998 he gained qualifications in welding, and quality industrial manufacturing and engineering.  

John continued to broaden his experience in his trade as a blacksmith when he joined K Paxton Blacksmiths in Edinburgh in 1999, by carrying out extensive work on architectural and ornamental gates and railings. Having worked with Kev for 4 years, John developed his craftmanship through learning from one of the best blacksmiths in the industry that Scotland has produced. Kev's passion for his work inspired and motivated John to take on many new challenges, whilst developing confidence, and an increase in producing quality work in any project undertaken.  

In 2003, John pursued his trade further with Loanhead based firm called Grange Door Systems for 7 years, as a blacksmith welder. In addition to manufacturing and installing all types of luxury custom-made gates and railings, John became highly qualified in the production and fitting of quality-made roller shutter doors, fencing, automatic gates, barriers, and metal claddings. As an experienced member of the team, John was responsible for carrying out extensive repair and service work on aluminium doors and fittings.  

Moving on in 2010 to JBT Ltd in Broxburn, John worked with high-quality workmanship as a fabrication welder, in the manufacturing of industrial food processing systems, using stainless steel and duplex, whilst working to very tight tolerances and with the strictest adherence to all safety policies and procedures.  

Seven years later, John joined Narvida Ltd in Dalgety Bay, as a fabricator welder, where he gained extensive experience in carbon and stainless-steel pipework across a broad range of projects, mainly in the food and drink industry. John was involved in many ad-hoc projects assigned to him personally with his manager often commending his unique skills and capabilities and saying “that laddie can make anyhing”.  

John finalised his experience in pipework after working for Normand & Thompson in Dalgety Bay from 2019 to 2021, having decided to reignite his passion as a blacksmith fabrication welder, making quality gates, railings, and handrails, and so All Seasons Outdoor Living was born. The rest is history.