Crunch day for Kingussie thistle sculpture plans
Proposals to erect an almost four metre high sculpture of a thistle in the centre of Kingussie will go before Highland Council for a decision later today
The local authority's south planning applications committee members are being recommended to approve the artwork when they meeting at Inverness headquarters.
Public opinion remains divided over the matter after Kingussie Community Development Company (KCDC) tabled the plans for Gynack Gardens.
The area has recently been subject to redevelopment to provide a new landscaped open space.
A large circular area of paving now lies central to the landscaping fronting the High Street which is where the proposed sculpture is to be situated.
Highland Council planner Laura Stewart states in her recommendation: "This is considered to be an acceptable location and a good focal point within the context of the garden itself, but also on the High Street and main thoroughfare in Kingussie.
"Representations note that the site is considered to be a positive addition to the village for residents, but it will also be a good stopping point for people passing through to take pictures and is located on an Active Travel route.
"It could encourage cyclists to stop and access local business on the High Street."
The submitted documents emphasise that a renowned Scottish sculptor is to be commissioned to design the sculpture.
However, the final design has not yet been established.
Indicative drawings outline that the sculpture is to be of a thistle design measuring approximately 3.9m in height. The materials are to be galvanised metal, utilising local recycled materials as far as possible.
The sculpture will sit on top of a granite boulder measuring two metres in width by 0.7m in height.
Funding will not be forthcoming until planning permission is granted meaning that there is no definitive plan yet.
The artist can only be commissioned to fully design the sculpture once the green light is given.
Ms Stewart states: "The design of a thistle is being progressed, although, following public consultation, shinty camans are to be incorporated into this to reflect the areas strong ties with the sport.
"This has been welcomed however, until the funds are available to commission the artist and relevant consents in place, no further specific detail is available.
"The principle of siting and design is supported, although further detail will require to be secured by planning condition before works commence on site.
"Supporting documentation outlines that the applicant has since lodging the application engaged with the community through a survey, reaching 158 people.
"These were predominantly from Kingussie itself, with respondents also from nearby Newtonmore and Aviemore.
"A summary of the consultation appears to suggest that of those who responded 47 per cent agreed with the principle of the design but had some concerns.
"It appears from those who responded that there is however support for some form of sculpture."
KCDC has engaged with local groups including the town's community council and business forum, Kingussie High School, Kingussie Shinty
Club, Badenoch Heritage Project, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Sustrans.
