The Cockbridge to Tomintoul road has an intriguing new attraction for the area’s many tourists. Already looking part of the hillside, there stands a towering new sculpture by Louise Gardner. The massive rock carving carries some engraved lines of poetry while set into the stone itself there are lenses through which visitors can see fascinating views of the surrounding countryside. It is a work of art, but very much a hands-on experience, too. Set in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, the sculpture is both a comment on the area and an addition to its appearance. It was commissioned from Louise by the Gordon Forum for the Arts over a year ago and the sculptor has been working on it ever since, pausing only briefly to give birth! Preparing the soft ground to take the weight of the huge stone, and placing it carefully in position have in themselves been a massive undertaking, supervised by the artist herself.

The sculpture will be dedicated at an open ceremony on Sunday 27th June at 4.00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The trip will make a marvellous day out. The ‘unveiling’ of the sculpture will be performed by Charles Barron, Chairman of the Forum. He says, “We have commissioned some splendid arts of work in the past, but Louise’s piece is something special. It will change the face of this landscape – and not just for our lifetime, but for centuries to come.”

The sculpture is easy to find: from Huntly, head for Tomintoul/Grantown. The A939 takes you through Cockbridge.  Just past it is the Allargue Hotel. You’ll see the sculpture on the left, up the hill about half way to the Lecht Ski Centre. Allow about 1 ½ hours from Aberdeen.

For more information telephone Charles Barron on 01224 315515.