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Caithness artist’s design is part of BookBench Trail





A sneak peek of the BookBench design by Shelagh Swanson. The benches will be unveiled in Orkney next week.
A sneak peek of the BookBench design by Shelagh Swanson. The benches will be unveiled in Orkney next week.

A design by Caithness artist Shelagh Swanson will feature in a public art event taking place across the north-east, Orkney and Shetland in support of a cancer charity.

The BookBench Trail consists of 41 sculptures forming a free art trail this summer in communities where Clan Cancer Support has a presence.

Pentland Ferries, which operates regular services between St Margaret’s Hope and Gills Bay, is sponsoring a bench.

Pentland Ferries director Kathryn Banks said: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring one of the book benches, which will be unveiled at an undisclosed location in Orkney next week.

“We were particularly delighted to be matched with our first design choice, which is by Shelagh Swanson. We love the theme and can’t wait to see the finished piece.”

Shelagh said: “With a studio only 10 miles from the ferry terminal at Gills Bay, I am delighted that Pentland Ferries is my sponsor.

“This will be my seventh time participating in these trails. It’s always a lovely event to be part of, and of course, amazing to be able to help fundraise for the charities involved.”

Caithness artist Shelagh Swanson is contributing to the BookBench Trail. Picture: DGS
Caithness artist Shelagh Swanson is contributing to the BookBench Trail. Picture: DGS

Pentland Ferries is planning a number of fundraising initiatives as part of the event.

Clan chose the BookBench theme, depicting an open book, because of the charity’s listening support service which enables anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis to open up and tell their story.

The charity hopes the sculpture, which can seat two adults, will encourage people to take time to reflect on their wellbeing as they enjoy discovering the artwork on the trail.

At the end of the trail, the benches will be auctioned off to raise funds for Clan.


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