A talented teenage artist is on the crest of wave after creating a sensational sculpture to raise funds for a £10million dolphin centre in Aberdeen.
Lathallan School pupil Millie Wark, 15, built the incredible work of art using nothing but driftwood and a glue gun.
The piece will now be auctioned off at Friday’s Greyhope Bay Gala Dinner, with money raised going towards the planned visitor and marine education centre, which will also include a 3D virtual reality tour.
Millie was hand-picked to create the work after winning the My Future Visions competition in 2015. She produced a sculpture of a horse’s head to represent her desire to work as an equine vet when she’s older.
The S3 pupil from St Cyrus said: “I made it using driftwood from my beach. I think it’s quite symbolic.
“It took quite a while to make. There were lots of trips to the beach. I started off with the bigger pieces and then filled it in. I used a glue gun to keep it all together.
“I wanted to make it look as natural as possible. I had to get my family to help collect the wood. It probably took about two weeks in total.
“I like going to watch the dolphins at my beach, but you can see them better here, so it will be great when the centre opens.”
Jude Thorpe, a board member of the Developing the Young Workforce for north east Scotland, and co-owner and director of Thorpe Molloy recruiting firm, recommended Millie to make the sculpture.
She said: “As soon as we asked her, she just said yes and was so positive and excited. It looks fantastic.”
Fiona McIntyre, managing director for Greyhope Bay, added: “For a 15-year-old, it’s a highly accomplished piece of art and something quite unique. It could be put in an art gallery. We expect it will generate a lot of interest.”
Millie and her family will be at the dinner on Friday night, where the sculpture will be won by the highest bidder. Pop icons from the 1980s Hue and Cry will provide entertainment and it will be hosted by Dougie Vipond at the cliff-top setting at the bay.
Advance bids for the sculpture can be made to fiona.mcintyre@greyhopebay.org.uk before May 12.
