Top 5 stunning sculptures in the Highlands and Moray
Much of our history and landscapes inspire artists. Here are some of the top sculptures across the north and north-east.
The Emigrants Statue, Helmsdale
Standing in Couper Park, the statue commemorates the people of the Highlands and Islands who, as the inscription (in Gaelic and English) reads: “...in the face of great adversity, sought freedom, hope and justice beyond these shores.” The work of sculptor Gerald Laing, it depicts four figures: the kilted man looking ahead into an unknown future; a boy looking up to him for guidance or reassurance; a woman holding a baby looking back towards the home they have been forced to leave. www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
Seer, Inverness
The sculpture, by artist Annie Cattrell, at Friar’s Shott on the banks of the River Ness takes the form of two standing stones created with bronze-infused resin which glows in the sunlight. Cattrell was inspired by geological forms of the Great Glen Fault. www.highland.gov.uk
The Watchers, at Corgarff
The Watchers’ by John Kennedy, are located at Corgarff, on the Snow Roads in an eastern corner of the Cairngorms National Park. They stand at over 2.2 metres and feature a hand-crafted seat made from Scottish larch. The installation incorporates seating to enjoy the views. www.visitscotland.com
The Highland Drover, Dingwall
Following the establishment of the Drover Exhibition at Dingwall Mart, the Highland Livestock Heritage Society erected a stunning sculpture, by Lucy Poett, which, as the inscription (in Gaelic and English) reads: “In commemoration of the historic achievements of the livestock breeders, farmers, crofters and drovers of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.” www.rossandcromartyheritage.org
The Wolf of Badenoch, Elgin
David Annand’s piece is an impressive depiction of the Earl of Buchan, Alexander Stewart. Better known as the Wolf of Badenoch, Stewart rampaged throughout Speyside in the 1300s. Standing at two metres tall, on ground near the roundabout with the High Street and Alexander Road, the Wolf of Badenoch is standing beneath an arch – depicting Elgin Cathedral which he burned.
