A new £118,000 sculpture inspired by the tidal races in the Pentland Firth will be officially unveiled at John O’Groats today.
Lord Lieutenant of Caithness Anne Dunnett will say a few words before Alex Kennedy, a pupil at Canisbay Primary School, cuts the ribbon to reveal the 16ft statue named Nomadic Boulders.
It is the latest in the series of temporary and permanent works by artists aimed at transforming the image of John O’Groats.
Research shows that the force of the sea overlooked by John O’Groats regularly moves boulders that are the weight of small cars great distances across the seabed.
The sculpture uses local sandstone boulders, which appeared on a neighbouring beach after a storm, suspended on three great arcs of bronze.
The artists, Mathew Dalziel and Louise Scullion, said: “We were keen to make work that reflected the interesting dynamic of the area, which is so much more than a famous destination.
“We were particularly drawn to the power of the sea, squeezed as it is between the mainland and the Orcadian Skerries; for generations these waters have and continue to represent an awe inspiring power that can oscillate between a hypnotic temptress and a terrifying and destructive force.”
Hilary Budge, from project backers Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “We are very excited to be launching the sculpture today as part of the wider regeneration of John O’Groats.
“It is great to be able to give local school children an opportunity to work with such influential performers and we are delighted to be able to facilitate the creation of this imaginative artwork.”
However, John Green, chairman of the local Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council, said that the work was “original” but the “initial reaction is negative”.
“Most people’s reaction is that it is a waste of money. Art is a very controversial subject – it does look a bit like a skateboard park but at least the boulders will stop you slipping off,” he admitted.
“It is unique and it may grow on people over time. It was the design chosen after a very rigorous process. At least it will bring people here to make up their own minds.”