Expressions of Interest Invited from Highland Artists and Craftspeople

The hunt is on to find artists or craftspeople to design and build a 3-dimensional tribute to the Olympians of Badenoch and Strathspey. The tribute will form part of the newly re-vamped village green in the centre of Aviemore.

‘We are keen to get expressions of interest, preferably from those who live in or have links to the area,’ said Lisa Fuchs, a member of the committee which is driving the project. ‘We would like the work to incorporate local materials and to reflect and honour this unique and special area.”

Committee member Andy Ford of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, added, ‘We want the tribute to celebrate the Olympians and also the fact that the Cairngorms National Park is a very special place. The diverse recreational opportunities it offers attracts athletes and sportspeople from all over the UK and indeed the world.’

Artists who would like to be involved in the project are invited to attend an on-site meeting for the project at Aviemore Village Green at 1pm on 15th November where they can discuss the project with the committee. Anyone who wishes to attend should contact the committee members below.

The plan to create a tribute received a major boost when a world-renowned artist George Wyllie agreed to become a consultant for the project.

Mr Wyllie MBE, generally regarded as Scotland’s greatest living sculptor, has joined the Aviemore-based Olympic Tribute committee as its Artistic Advisor Mr Wyllie, whose work is represented in major public and private collections around the world, said he was happy to give what help he could to such a commendable cause. ‘I see this as a great way to celebrate the achievements of these high-achieving athletes,’ he said, ‘and by inviting local artists to design the tribute, it will be a perfect marriage of the athletic and the aesthetic in the community.’

Anyone who would like to find out more about the project or who wishes to register an expression of interest in designing the tribute is invited to contact Andy Ford on 01479 870558 andyford@cairngorms.co.uk; Tim Walker on 01479 861256 tim.walker@glenmorelodge.org.uk  or Lisa Fuchs on 01479 810676 or email lisafuchs@btinternet.com