Last year the Nicol's Blacksmith Historic Trust team launched an appeal for a blacksmith to work in the refurbished Nicol's Blacksmith building on Duntroon's main street.
The idea was the blacksmith would be a storyteller and attract tourists to the small settlement.
The trust's Plan A failed, but what came next were volunteers eager to help others learn the trade. A list of 20 volunteer blacksmiths of varying expertise was created.
They work at weekends, answering questions from tourists while creating their works and sharpening the tools and knives of locals.
Volunteer blacksmith Judy Waterston, of Livingstone, believed the project's future would be shaped by the younger people it attracted to the shop, such as Papakaio School pupil Robbie Elliott.
He became interested in the volunteer-led attraction in December 2016.
``He's our enthusiast. He helps us out. To me he's our future.''
Robbie was regarded as the apprentice in the shop.
He was happy in the robust environment.
``I really enjoy getting up here and having fun making stuff with Judy.''
