
ARTWORK AND SCULPTURES competing for a permanent position at two sites in Elgin as part of the ‘heritage corridor’ being created in the town are being displayed in the local library.
The competition to identify suitable works of art launched in March has produced 10 proposals – with a review panel having now taken account of public comments and reduced that to a shortlist of four.
The aim of this competition is to ultimately produce a sculpture that will spark the imagination of those who live, work and visit this area, conjuring up scenes from the past, telling unseen stories and bringing the heritage of Elgin to life.
Established and emerging UK-based artists were invited to submit work for the challenge that was either commemorative or artistic, but also involved character.

The Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere project specified that it should be one of three characters – the Wolf of Badenoch, a 14th century rogue responsible for burning down Elgin’s cathedral, a market trader, or the town drummer William Edwards who died in 1822.
After evaluating each design concept and taking into account interesting depictions of characters, imaginative use of high-quality materials sympathy with the chosen environments, four sculptors have now been shortlisted.
David Annand, Vik Quickly, Diane MacLean and Alan B Herriot have created more detailed designs/drawings/maquettes which are now on display in Elgin Library until June 25. Members of the public are invited to comment on the designs by completing and lodging a comment card or viewing digital images and commenting online by visiting www.elginheritage.scot.

Ian Urquhart from the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere Project/Elgin Fund said: “The sculptures are a hugely important aspect of our regeneration work. They should appeal to both locals and visitors alike with the aim to engage, educate, excite and intrigue the public within the context of Elgin’s heritage and help Elgin to become established as a compelling visitor destination.
“Ultimately, the main aim of the project is to involve more people in its history and spark the imagination of those who live, work and visit this area, conjuring up scenes from the past, telling unseen stories and bringing the heritage of Elgin to life.
“It is therefore extremely important to us in the partnership that we have a sculpture which reflects what the people of Elgin and Moray wish to have and therefore your views are important and every one will count.”
Lt Col Grenville Johnston, Hon President of the Moray Society, added: “The new sculptures will create a centre piece and become a key part of Elgin’s public realm townscape for many years to come, where visitors and members of the community in Elgin’s 21st century Elgin can experience and enjoy coming face to face with a historical character from Elgin’s past.
“I do hope that the people of Elgin and Moray play their part in helping to shape this landmark for future generations.”
