Scottish

Towns

Meigle's Journey Through Time - A Community Art Project

Where is it? ...in front of the Kinloch Hall in Dundee Road. Our community project, part of the Millennium celebrations in Meigle, had as its aim the creation of a work of art which would be modern in concept yet in keeping with our village environment and strong sense of history. The retaining mound around the site reflects the hills encircling Meigle and symbolises the sense of security which many people feel is a major feature of village life. The wooden sculpture at the heart of the site represents the past, holding within it the seed of the future. The oak and elm used for the sculpture will age beautifully over the coming years. From 'the past' a mosaic pathway, reminiscent of our local Roman heritage, leads us on Meigle's journey through time to the future, which is symbolised by a young tree. A time capsule, marking the year 2000, has been buried on site. The use of earth, grass, wood and stone in the design are a clear link with our environment and also with our Pictish ancestors, famed for the stone-carving skills. We hope that the seating, an integral part of the project design, will encourage residents and visitors to spend time enjoying Meigle's newest work of art. Who was involved in the project? Eight local residents (aged between 17 and 70) formed the organising group. Meigle folk of all ages put forward ideas as to how the finished work should look and which aspects of life in Meigle should be represented. Taking on the idea of village residents, students of Duncan Jordanstone College of Art, joined by two young people from Meigle, produced four possible designs for the site, one of which was selected as being most suited to Meigle. Environmental artist, Chris Biddlecombe, guided the group through the process of planning, designing and creating the work of art. The carving of the wooden sculpture is also Chris's work. Contractors undertook the landscaping, stone building, metal work and seat construction on the site, but digging out the seat alcoves and watering the turf were both done by volunteers! During a mosaic workshop week held in August 2000, enthusiastic Meigle folk and friends, from babes-in-arms to grandparents, designed and produced the mosaic panels, enjoying the opportunity to develop new skills. The children of Meigle Primary School were very much involved in filling in the time capsule. Email Meigle Community Council

© Scottish Towns