A unique feature which will greet visitors to a north-east coastal town has taken a step closer to being installed.
The entrance to Buckie has been earmarked for a gateway artwork thanks to developer obligations stretching back nearly 10 years.
Artists from all around the world were invited to submit their proposals for the feature to Moray Council and a shortlist has now been drawn up by officers, with a winner due to be selected at some point in the summer.
It has taken a long time for council officials to decide where the gateway feature will be situated, because of road safety issues, but a location was agreed earlier this year, with the £23,500 installation being erected just off the Tesco Roundabout when entering Buckie along the A98.
Judges of the artwork submitted included Buckie elected members Sonya Warren, Gordon Cowie and Tim Eagle plus an independent artist.
Those chosen will now work up their proposals to a detailed level before they are put on public display, with the winner being picked in July.
The money is coming from developer obligations cash secured from contributions by Tesco and Robertson from the building of Tesco’s Buckie store.
Alongside this gateway feature, more than £35,000 has been allocated to local organisations in Buckie to improve community facilities.
Moray Reach Out has been awarded £5,187 to build a disabled toilet, which will be open to the public under the Moray Council comfort scheme.
The Fisherman’s Hall Trust has been allocated £8,000 to enable a side entrance to the hall to be created.
Buckpool Harbour Community Group will use its £5,500 award to upgrade a path and install an additional seating area, and Buckie’s Roots will spend its £7,000 funding to clean the Buckie war memorial.
Buckie North Church of Scotland has been awarded £10,000, which will replace the chiming mechanism and refurbish the clock faces.
David Bremner, chairman of Moray Council’s planning & regulatory services committee, said all the successful applicants have been informed of their awards.
He added: “Thanks go to Buckie’s residents for their excellent suggestions for community regeneration and improvement initiatives. I’m thrilled that more than £35,000 will be invested in these local projects.”
It is hoped the gateway feature becomes a flagship attraction and generates as much interest as Elgin’s Dandy Lion statue.
