Coastal artwork scheme to aid Groats tourism
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A PLAN to install permanent artwork on coastal paths at John O’Groats as part of the £6 million project to redevelop the area has been welcomed by community and business representatives.
John Green, the chairman of the Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council, said the artwork would help to enhance the appeal of the place.
“If it is done properly and to a good standard then it could add to the ambience of the area and encourage people to stay longer,” he told the John O’Groat Journal.
Mr Green hoped the artwork would reflect the stories and history of the place and be aesthetic and ?functional.
He described the redevelopment project as “quite positive” and said it looks like being “the best opportunity for future improvement John O’Groats has had in a long time”.
“Everyone involved in it is determined to make it a success and that has to be welcomed,” added Mr Green.
Andrew Mowat, of the Seaview Hotel, also felt the artwork on the paths would be a good idea.
Like Mr Green, he thought it would improve the look of the area and provide more for visitors to see and do which could result in them staying longer.
“Anything that helps to improve the paths has to be welcomed,” said Mr Mowat. He gave his wholehearted support to the redevelopment plans which could give a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Mr Mowat and Mr Green were speaking after it was confirmed Highlands and Islands Enterprise is offering professional artists the chance to undertake the path project. A budget of £15,000 has been agreed with the work expected to be in place by May.
Nick Scroggie, from HIE, said it was hoped to make the paths a major attraction for walkers.
“Development and promotion of the paths network is an important aspect of transforming John O’Groats and the surrounding area into a world-class visitor destination,” he said
“By developing the paths and adding work by artists, the aim is to encourage walkers to venture further and visitors to stay longer. The work can be either aesthetic or functional, such as shelters, way markers or resting places.”
Mr Scroggie added: “We are looking for artists that can add to this ? experience and encourage people to explore the natural environment, walk further and engage with the special characteristics of John O’Groats.”
HIE has been leading the development work at John O’Groats, working with visitors, businesses and the community to develop a masterplan.
The agency has also invested £1.8m into the £6m Heritage Great Britain and Natural Retreats redevelopment project, which will see the creation of a number of luxurious apartments and holiday residences, using environmentally sustainable construction methods.
The application deadline for the artwork project is January 23.
As previously reported, award-winning artists Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion are working with local people to develop a long-term artistic plan for the village’s redevelopment.
The couple held an open workshop with the community earlier this month and are now looking at how the variety of local stories and historical influences will shape their proposals.
Dalziel and Scullion, who are based in Dundee, have worked on projects such as Scottish Natural Heritage’s headquarters in Inverness, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and the Science Museum in London.
They have been funded by HIE to carry out the artistic project at John O’Groats.
