Hopefuls reveal Buckie gateway designs
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MODEL artworks shortlisted for a new gateway to Buckie feature went on display to the public for the first time at the weekend.
Three artists have had their work selected as a potential new gateway to the town, as part of a UK-wide competition launched in February 2019. The design and creation of the winning feature has been funded through developer obligations – money Moray Council received during the building of the Tesco store in Buckie – and will be located on the grassed area beside the roundabout, opposite the store.
A total pot of £23,500 has been ring-fenced as part of the developer cash agreement for the project and must be spent by 2020 or the funding will be lost.
The maquettes will be on display in the Tesco store in Buckie until Saturday, July 13 for the public to view and comment on.
On hand to see the designs publicly unveiled were Buckie councillors Sonya Warren and Gordon Cowie.
Councillor Warren said: "It's really exciting to see what the artists have come up with and their visions for Buckie and the future.
"It will be very interesting to see what the public say in their feedback to the final designs.
"I think it's wonderful that Tesco have given this opportunity to create something lasting for Buckie."
Councillor Cowie urged local people to make their voices heard as to which design they preferred.
"It was an extremely difficult task narrowing the entries down to a final three and I really would encourage as many people as possible to have their say," he continued.
"This is going to be around for quite a while so we want the maximum input possible.
"I'd like to thank all the artists who submitted designs for this very important project."
Fellow Buckie Councillor Eagle, who was unable to make the unveiling due to other commitments, added: "We hope everyone in Buckie will join in to decide which piece would be best placed to welcome people into our town.
"I am keen to hear what people think about the options and how they feel it would fit with the character of the town.”
The finalists all highlight very different aspects of the town's heritage and culture.
Portsoy-based Carn Standing’s design is called Buckie’s Darling, a 3D sculpture which would be handmade in Portsoy, from stainless steel bars, sheet and tubing.
He drew inspiration from the origination of the town’s name.
“I was also inspired by how Buckie grew as a town and a community and the importance of fishing.
“I started to see the herring within the body of the deer as a composition to unify the two things, and a symbolism for the uniting of the several villages which led to the Buckie we know today.
“The silver darlings merged into the body of the deer would be arranged as a turning shoal of fish to maximise the movement of the sculpture, to bring it alive.”
Emma Crawford, who is currently a fourth year student at RGU in Aberdeen and was unable to make the unveiling due to exam commitments, has created Fishing for Flowers, a metal structure capturing the heritage of Buckie with creels and flowers.
“This artwork has been inspired by the rich fishing heritage of Buckie, along with the history behind the town’s nickname, Little Norway.
“The floral details within the design will be made out of metal and are inspired by the national flowers of Scotland, Norway and Denmark; thistles, purple heather and marguerite daisies. These reflect the growing community and offer a welcoming entrance to both visitors and locals.”
Portknockie woman Maggie Clyde’s feature would see five free-standing stainless steel panels erected, powder coated in various attractive colours. The final design will be influenced by community engagement carried out by the artist.
“Each is aimed to represent cultural and historical aspects of Buckie’s past, present and future including Doric text, fishing, shipbuilding, lifeboats, football and the origins of Buckie.
“Buckie in Steel will convey the indomitable spirit of the Buckie community far into the 21st century.”
Online comments will also be accepted via Moray Council’s website. The shortlisting panel, consisting of Buckie councillors, Tesco’s community champion, an independent artist and Moray Council officers, will consider these comments when making the final decision at the end of July.
