An Aberdeenshire farm that created an eye-catching display out of hay bales for the Tour of Britain has won a top prize.
Craskins Farm, near Tarland, which the elite cyclists passed on the final leg of the tour between Stonehaven and Aberdeen, caught the eye of fans and viewers around the world thanks to their creative display.
They used hay bales and other bits salvaged from the farm and roadside to make a cyclist on a bike, and have now won the 2021 Tour of Britain National Land Art Competition.
Jenna Ross and her family impressed the judges with their sustainable and novel approach.
Miss Ross had previously worked on a similar haybale design in support of the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, and she even repurposed her peloton creation for a Halloween display.
All proceeds that are raised through the imaginative displays go towards North-East Sensory Services (Ness).
Artwork inspired by Jenna’s brother
She said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the 2021 Tour of Britain National Land Art Competition.
“It was such a pleasure to have this world-renowned event come to our very special corner of the world here at Queen’s View as Craskins Farm.
“The art was inspired by my younger brother, Duncan, who is registered blind and is passionate about cycling.
“Unfortunately the pandemic massively impacted his ability to get on his bike due to the social distancing challenges of a tandem bike. So this was for him.
“It was also for our local community and, of course, the brilliant competitors. I hope it gave each and every rider that extra push during their final climb of the race at Queen’s View.”
Andy Kille, leader of Aberdeenshire Council, added: “Jenna’s creative use of wrapped straw bales for slick tyres, coupled with a farming ethos to reuse where possible and a generous sprinkling of imagination made for an engaging mini peloton set on a uniquely scenic background and showcased to a global audience.
“We were extremely proud that our communities across the region came out to every vantage point to cheer on the world class cyclists.
“I look forward to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire hosting the first stage in 2022 and welcome the opportunity to highlight the diversity of the area.”
The 2022 AJ Bell Tour of Britain race will set off from Aberdeen in September.