Aberdeen’s long-awaited bypass could become a “sculpture road” as councillors meet this week to debate adding a “major piece of public art” to the route.
In January, the Press and Journal revealed that a £1million sculpture, dubbed the Herring Drifter, was being considered for construction at the northern end of the upcoming Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, where it will join the A90 Aberdeen to Ellon road at Blackdog.
The proposal has been put forward by local landowner Colin Tawse, who has been working with Oxfordshire-based artist David Harber on the design.
He said that different designs could be put out for public consultation ahead of any detailed plans being submitted.
But, separately, Liberal Democrat group leader Ian Yuill has called on the council to investigate bringing more pieces to the route and look into possible funding sources.
Members on the education and children’s services committee will meet tomorrow to discuss what progress has been made.
Last night, Mr Yuill insisted he did not want to raid the council’s coffers for the artwork and added that he hoped any suggestions would reflect the north-east’s “unique character”.
He said: “I don’t want an angel of the north-east or a “Kelpies mark 2”- but I should be the last person to choose what it would be.
“This is completely separate to the Herring Drifter project – if that goes ahead, it will be at the northern end of the route.
“I don’t want any council money spent on it but I am suggesting we work with partners to see what is possible.
“I look forward to taking part in the debate and seeing what other members think of this on Thursday.”
When the Herring Drifter picture was unveiled, Mr Tawse said the region was “crying out” for something on its scale, and that it had been designed to represent the north-east’s historical relationship with the North Sea.
He added that funding for the project is still “in discussions”, but estimates The Herring Drifter would cost more than £1million.
Mr Yuill has previously welcomed the sculpture.
He said in January: “Perhaps it could become Scotland’s ‘sculpture road’ and provide a cultural and tourism boost to the north-east – as well as improving our transport links.”
