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Aberdeen’s leopard sculpture is poised to celebrate its first anniversary

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It has been a year this month since Andy Scott’s iconic statue of a leopard – “Poised” – was unveiled in Aberdeen’s Marischal Square.

And the renowned Scottish sculptor told the Press and Journal he was “thrilled” at the response from the public to the artwork.

Mr Scott, who created the Kelpies in Falkirk, the horses which have become one of the most potent symbols of modern Scotland, is in Chicago at the moment, exploring potential new commissions.

But he admitted he had been forced to dig deep to bring the 2.2-ton leopard to fruition after being recruited by building developers, Muse.

He said: “I was inspired by the leopards on Aberdeen’s heraldic coat of arms, as well as the requirements of the Marischal atrium space, but it was a challenge to bring it to life.

“There was the engineering of the column, and fixing that to the structure of the building under the atrium floor, made us work hard.

“There is a very clever connection system which is holding the whole thing in place.

“Also, as you can imagine, we had to work out the balance of two tons of leopard, to make sure that it didn’t lean and place the column under stress in that space.

“Making a sculpture that size in a studio and getting the proportions right is very tricky, so the whole process was complicated. But I work with a great team and the client and contractor were all super helpful.”

Mr Scott, who has been involved in creating a variety of sculptures from America to Australia, said the public’s affection for Poised had left him feeling proud and humble.

He added: “The reaction seems to be unanimously favourable and I am thrilled at that. It has been a big hit on social media too, which is terrific, because you never know how people will react to your work.

“It is also reassuring for Muse, my client, who really took a great leap of faith.”

He enjoyed his foray to the north east. But he also offered a tantalising answer as to whether he might return to Aberdeen in the future.

He said: “At the moment, we have an 18ft grizzly bear destined for Dunbar, then there is a major bronze memorial statue to be installed in Glasgow, and a memorial for the sad events around the tragic circumstances of (the baby ashes victims) at Mortonhall in Edinburgh.

“As always, we are seeking out the next commission, and it is always stressful, and you can never take anything for granted.

“But who knows….maybe Aberdeen needs the other leopard from its coat of arms for an artwork.”