Clackmannanshire Council commissioned six sculptures for various locations throughout Clackmannanshire from the internationally renowned sculptor Andy Scott. Four of the sculptures are situated on roundabouts, one is in a memorial park and the last one is situated on the approach to Alloa's Railway Station.
Andy Scott studied at the Glasgow School of Art. He works primarily with steel and bronze. His most well-known work in Scotland so far is undoubtedly the pair of 30-metre-high horses heads called "The Kelpies". These are situated within Helix Park which is on the northern outskirts of Falkirk. The Kelpies stand proudly beside the eastern end of the Forth & Clyde Canal are a sight to be seen as you travel on the M9. As with some of his other larger works, The Kelpies are lit at night.
This Journeys End
Mary's Wood Roundabout Clackmannan A907
This sculpture was installed in August 2009 and welcomes you into Clackmannanshire if you have entered from the east - either from Fife or via the Clackmannanshire Bridge. This piece stands just outside the village of Clackmannan which was once the County Town. This piece was designed to commemorate the opening of the Clackmannanshire Bridge.
Proudly standing on 2 steel beams are a male and female who bridge the gap with their hands, symbolising the bridge joining the north and south banks of the River Forth. The male represents the Clackmannan Coat of Arms by holding a crown, whilst the female represents solidarity and harmony with the people of the European Union by holding a draped circle of 23 stars.
Lifeline
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Shillinghill Roundabout Alloa A907
This sculpture was the last to be installed in April 2011 and is the tallest of all of Clackmannanshire's sculptures. Welcoming visitors to what is now the County Town of Alloa. Alloa has played an important part in Scotland's Industrial History, as well as boasting several interesting places to visit too. The sculpture stands on the easternmost roundabout of Alloa's Ring Road in Alloa Town Centre.
Lifeline features the Gauntlet from Clackmannanshire's Coat of Arms in the form of a large hand. This hand supports a woman & child. On the back of the hand are the words:
"Lifeline Reach Out Hold Close Cradle Cushion Shelter Protect Support Uplift"
The words are cut from the steel and were chosen by the Scottish Poet Jim Carruth. The combination of the sculptures components and words unite in providing an appropriate tribute to all those who put their lives at risk working in the emergency services.
I Can See For Miles
Station Square Alloa
This piece stands a short distance from "Lifeline", it is positioned on the walkway leading to Alloa Railway Station. The sculpture was installed in March 2008. The railway station itself is part of the renewal of a once busy railway line.
This piece is of two people, a child and a flat cap wearing adult male. This represent Alloa's past and future. The adult male represents Alloa's industrial past and the child who symbolises younger generations which have emerged from the industries and now looks towards the town and a different type of future for it.
Alloa historically was a hub of various industries including brewing, mining, mills and distilling as well as the manufacture of glass. At one point the products were shipped all over the world from Alloa's Harbour, a few remnants of which can still be seen. At one point the railway transported many of the products before the railway line closed in October 1968. Since reopening the railway has been popular for commuters from Alloa.
River Spirit
Collylands Roundabout B9140 Glenochil – Fishcross
This piece is on a road to the Hillfoots area of Clackmannanshire, where the Glenochil to Fishcross road intersects the Sauchie to Alva road. This is the original sculpture that Clackmannanshire Council commissioned and was installed in 2007. Its success led to the commissioning of the other five sculptures. This piece stands in a beautiful spot within the county having hills to the north and south of it and being relatively rurally positioned.
This sculpture is of a female who is emerging from a tree base. She holds a ribbon which is shaped to represent the shape of the River Forth which in bygone years brought prosperity to the county and allowed international trade. This sculpture is almost six metres high.
Air Spirit
Muirside Roundabout Tullibody B9140
This sculpture was installed in February 2008. It has an elevated position which from where the Ochil Hills can be viewed. This sculpture has been given two "pet names" by the local community, these are "muirside man" and "striding man", demonstrating the local fondness for this sculpture.
This piece is of a four-metre-high male who originally appeared to be striding towards the nearby Ochil Hills. In 2011 it was demolished by a motorist and was removed for repairs in Andy's studio. When it was returned to the site it was installed facing Stirlingshire (east rather than north).
Air Spirit and the nearby River Spirit were designed as a set. Air Spirit represents Clackmannanshire's naturally beautiful landscapes as well as the areas rich biodiversity.
Fox Boy
Novia Scotia Gardens Menstrie A91
This sculpture was installed in December 2008. This piece is located with a public park which is dedicated to the close connections between Menstrie and Nova Scotia in Canada. Menstrie born Willliam Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling founded and colonized Nova Scotia (New Scotland). The first settlement was established in 1629.
The sculpture combines references to the water wheels that once powered industry in Menstrie, a pet fox kept by a Menstrie child years ago, and the buzzards that frequent the skies over the village. Under the young boy's hand is a Maple leaf: This is to acknowledge the Menstrie – Nova Scotia connections. In the park the flag of Nova Scotia is flown alongside the flag of Scotland, highlighting Menstrie's role with the settlement and development of Nova Scotia. Fox Boy is the furthest west of the sculptures
Route
The sculptures have been listed in an order that makes touring round them as easy as possible. This route travels East to West and could easily be reversed. We have included a map below to show the route visually.
There are many places of historical and modern interest within Clackmannanshire as well as many places to eat, stay and explore for all the family.
Please enjoy our beautiful 'Wee County'.