SMM+S

ghostwhisperer · Forum Member Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 153

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:07 pm Post subject:

This statue was originally going to be positioned above the village on the whin bush covered hill you see behind it Creag Bun-Ullidh. It was also to be a lot bigger. The idea was to look over Helmsdale in the same way the 1st Duke of Sutherland's statue on Ben Bhraggie overlooks Golspie. It was supposed to be bigger and grander than the 'Man on the Ben' but unfortunately for all those involved in the project they never got the funds they wanted.

It is situated very near the site of the ruined Helmsdale Castle which was demolished to make way for the A9 road bridge. As you slow down to enter Helmsdale from the south you can see this statue on your left.

The main donor was a wealthy ex-pat Dennis MacLeod who was born in Kildonan and now lives in Canada. Locally the statue got quite a lukewarm reception.

It was cast by local foundry Black Isle Bronze in 2003. They have also done a copy for Winnipeg which was unveiled in 2008.

Adam
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