Sunday didn't start any better - it was already raining - and continued all day! We did visit a craft fair and took the 'scenic route' back, via Callender. We would have stopped and had a walk up and down the shops but it was pouring by then - so no! Dobbies Garden Centre & Lakeland Ltd did tempt us in for something to eat/drink but as we came out it was still pouring down, so back to the hotel was all we could come up with to do!
Monday dawned with sunshine - yes I did say sunshine! We had to take a second look to check, but it was definitely sunshine, and blue sky! Straight after breakfast we were out - just in case the sun disappeared! Having been to the Kelpies several times we went to find the other sculptures Andy Scott had produced for the local area.
Andy Scott is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and produces landmark artworks that are sited all over the world. Famous for the Kelpies in Falkirk, he has also produced set of unique pieces for the Andy Scott Sculpture Trail in Clackmannanshire. Stretching from Alloa town centre to the surrounding villages there are six amazing sculptures to be seen.
'This Journey's End' is installed on a roundabout and features two figures standing on a steel arch, with their hands bridging the gap between them. The male figure holds a crown (from the Clackmannanshire coat of arms) and the female figure holds a circle of 23 stars (solidarity & harmony with the people of the European Union) The statue was designed to mark the opening of the new Clackmannanshire Bridge.
'River Spirit' was actually the first of Andy's statues in Clackmannanshire and inspired the council to commission the other five pieces that make up the trail. This statue shows a female figure emerging from a tree base. Her foliage hands hold the ribbon shape of the nearby River Forth. It stands almost six metres tall and is again situated on a roundabout.
'Lifeline' is even taller at just under eight metres tall and is shaped as a giant hand (taken from the gauntlet on the Clackmannanshire coat of arms). The hand supports the figures of a woman and child and pays tribute to all the emergency services who put their lives in danger to help others. A Scottish poet created a simple piece of text which has been incorporated into the statue - 'Life-line Reach Out, Hold, Close, Cradle, Cushion, Shelter, Protect, Support, Lift Up' Yet again this statue sits on a roundabout.
'I Can See for Miles' emulates Alloa's regeneration and looks forward to an exciting future. The statue depicts two figures, an adult wearing a flat cap and a youngster depicting potential through the next generation. This statue sits at Station Square in Alloa.
'Air Spirit' - on another roundabout - strides towards the Ochil Hills.(hence its nickname of the Striding Man) It is four metres tall and is a partner piece to River Spirit, reflecting the natural landscape of Clackmannanshire and the rich biodiversity of the area.
The final sculpture on the trail is 'Fox Boy' installed in Nova Scotia Gardens at Menstrie. The statue is dressed in trainers and a hoodie top - reflecting local youth. The fox's head and tail is a reminder of local children in bygone times who kept foxes as pets. There is also a maple leaf under the hand of the boy (as a tribute to Nova Scotia) and a buzzard (as a reminder of those seen in the local woods)
Some local wag had even put a santa hat on the fox! We thoroughly enjoyed finding the sculptures and the fact that you can get really close to them means you see them in great detail and appreciate their height and detail.
On our arrival on Saturday, via the M80 we had also seen another of Andy's sculptures - Arria. This statue was commissioned as an icon for the town of Cumbernauld and overlooks the motorway. As we were so close it seemed a pity not to find this one too. It is a female figure with two large swooping arcs from the upraised palms of her hands to the hem of her dress.
Her name, Arria, comes from the name of the mother of the Roman Emperor who built the Antonine Wall (further north than Hadrian's Wall) She is commonly known as the Metal Mermaid and was built as a way of using the past to look towards the future. A Scottish poet was commissioned to write some verse which is inscribed around the base of the sculpture.
Arria is lit up at night but unfortunately we were too early during the day to see her illuminated. People are able to stand directly under the statue which makes you realise just how big and beautiful she is and what an achievement it truly is.
The sun continued to shine all day so we had a really good day and there were stars to be seen on the way back to the hotel.
Well that was a one-off. Rain again this Tuesday morning - and if anything it was even heavier rain. Christmas shopping in Stirling looked to the best option this morning but we did find the Engine Shed, a dedicated building conservation centre & museum.
Part of Historic Environment Scotland it is a hub for conservation professionals to learn about conservation of materials but is also open to the public with exhibitions exploring traditional buildings around Scotland. The building used to be a goods transfer shed, built sometime between 1896 and 1913, but has been saved, restored and developed into a modern building hoping to inspire future generations to continue to care for Scotlands buildings. Film presentations and interactive exhibits detailed many of the buildings cared for in Scotland and the methods used to protect them. A really interesting place to visit. (photos from web site for The Engine Shed)
The only drawback was the dash across the bridge over the railway lines we had to make to get there and then get back in the abominable weather!
