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Our mission
At Claec Studios, we are dedicated to breathing new life into salvaged, reclaimed, and vintage materials through thoughtful restoration and repurposing. Our mission is rooted in a deep respect for craftsmanship and the belief that well-made things, built to last, should not be discarded. We honour the history and value within every piece, whether it’s creative hardware, precision joinery, or unique vintage finds.
Founded by Debra Murray in the heart of Laurencekirk, our small but passionate studio is committed to sustainability and preserving the legacy of skilled artisanship. We stand against the throwaway culture, seeking to reduce overconsumption by repurposing what already exists into something meaningful and beautiful.
Through our work, we aim to not only revive individual pieces but also contribute to the revitalisation of our local community, providing opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and growth. By working together with like minded people, we hope to create a future where both craftsmanship and community thrive.
Our story
We restore and repurpose salvaged, reclaimed, and vintage materials in our creative studios.
Claec Studios is built on a simple idea: materials that were made well, and made to last, shouldn’t be discarded and skilled craftsmanship deserves a second life.
We honour the craftsmanship of the past by restoring and reimagining salvaged, reclaimed, and vintage pieces — not only to preserve their beauty and function, but to resist the culture of throwaway design.
Our philosophy is rooted in sustainability, storytelling, and slowness. Every item we work with carries a history, and we treat that history with respect. Whether it’s a worn timber door or a cast iron hinge, we see value where others see waste — and we believe in restoring with purpose, not perfection.
This is about more than restoration. It’s about creating thoughtful alternatives to fast consumption, building connections between people and place, and keeping traditional skills alive through meaningful, hands-on work.
Each piece carries a history—and a value—that calls for thoughtful restoration and reuse.
Our founder
Founded by Debra Murray, Claec Studios is a restoration business based in Laurencekirk — a historic market town nestled in the Howe o’ the Mearns in south Aberdeenshire. This corner of Scotland isn’t just where Debra lives; it’s been home to her family for generations, and that deep-rooted connection to place and heritage is at the heart of everything she does.
Debra restores vintage pieces with care and purpose, giving each item a second life while honouring its original character. What began as a personal love for old furniture and timeless design has grown into something much deeper — a quiet rebellion against overconsumption.
In a world that moves fast and discards too easily, she sees beauty and value in what already exists.
For Debra, restoration is both a craft and a commitment to sustainability.
Laurencekirk, with its rich heritage and strategic position along the A90 corridor, faces many of the same challenges as other rural communities — from retail decline to limited infrastructure investment. Through her work at Claec Studios, Debra hopes to play a small part in breathing new life into not only the objects she restores but also the community she calls home. She is creating space and opportunities for local people to get involved in hands-on restoration projects and share in the studio’s creative momentum.
After a decade working in Toronto and London, Debra returned to her roots to turn her lifelong passion for restoration into a full-time business. With a background in fashion management — specialising in marketing, Scottish heritage, and the evolving world of online commerce — she brings a unique perspective to craftsmanship and preservation.
Now, she’s channelling her experience into what she cares about most: contributing to a more sustainable future, where the value of well-made things is recognised, and their stories are never lost.
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