Nomadic Boulders Launched At John O'Groats

1st November 2015

Photo Gallery

In atmospheric evening the new art work that looks set to become one of the most photographed items in Scotland was launched as the sun went down on Saturday 31st October 2015. The sculpture representing waves and carrying specimen boulders millions of which have passed through the Pentland Firth for millions of years was officially opened by Lord Lieutenant Anne Dunnet whose great granfather built the iconic hotel with the hexagonal part now restored by Natural Retreats.

The afternoon began with a talk by the sculptors describing the thoughts behind the waves and the construction of steel and brass with curves of three waves the tallest of reminding us of the ferocity of one of the world's fastest tidal races and the boulders which scour the sea bottom on their way to the North Sea. Children from Canisbay primary school performed a new work by Local writer George Gunn and new music provided the background to the whole setting.

Young people surrounding the sculpture with torches took us to another age with the whole event benefitting from the amazing sunset of the evening. The sculpture lends itself to being photographed and there are sure to be many visitor including groups, cyclists and local sending it out globally on Twitter and Facebook in coming years. Dundee-based artists Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion have worked in many countries.

The music by Jim Sutherland played on the day can be heard at - https://soundcloud.com/jimsuth/the-swallower