Calls have been made for businesses to back a 50ft sculpture of an Aberdeen Angus bull to sit alongside the north-east’s long awaited bypass.
Yesterday, the Press and Journal revealed the proposal by retired Gordon District Council chief executive Mike Barron to create a massive structure near the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) when completed.
The plans have been backed by famous Falkirk Kelpies designer Andy Scott who said he’d be “delighted” to take part if funding and land were secured for the project.
But cash-strapped finance chiefs have said any sculpture would have to be funded privately.
And last night, Councillor Ian Yuill – a long-time supporter of a bypass sculpture – urged businesses in the area to support the project.
He said: “I have never suggested that public funds should be used for this project.
“Clearly, I would hope any businesses or individuals interested in supporting public art across the AWPR would get involved in any discussion.
“Any business or individual who supports this isn’t necessarily going to see a return on their balance sheets but clearly this sort of project, even if it was part of a sculpture trail in the region, could well attract more people to the city and shire, help promote the area, and benefit the hospitality industry.
“Ultimately I think anyone who supports the project would be doing so because they want to be seen supporting the north-east and investing in the region.”
Meanwhile, the north-east’s own Aberdeen Angus Club has given its support.
Club president, Eddie Gillanders, pointed to the “magnificent” sculpture outside the village of Alford.
He said: “Black polled (naturally hornless) cattle have been known in these parts since the saints, Ninian and Columba, brought Christianity to Scotland more than 1000 years ago. It was these characteristics which the great pioneers of the breed, such as William McCombie of Tillyfour, Alford, concentrated on in the early part of the 19th century when refining the breed we know today as the Aberdeen Angus.
“Over the past 200 years, the Aberdeen-Angus breed has brought great distinction and honour to the north-east, as well as significant economic benefits. It would be highly appropriate to recognise the breed’s cultural, economic and tourism benefit to the north-east.”
