Inverness art project contract awarded to Simpson Builders

THE contract to start work on a controversial public art work in Inverness has been awarded to a Beauly firm.

Highland Council has awarded the contract for the My Ness art project to Simpson Builders.

The art installation will feature two curved walls on opposite sides of the River Ness near the Ness Islands.

There has been strong opposition to the project from campaign group Open Ness which has raised various concerns including the environmental impact and the effect on the riverside landscape.

But a working group agreed last month to move on to the construction phase following months of wrangling over the cost, design and suitability of the project.

The decision was made after the council worked with Creative Scotland to close a funding gap which emerged following various changes to the original design.

They were made to improve access in order to meet legal requirements.

Related article: My Ness art project in Inverness to move on to next stage

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