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River Ness “amphitheatre” gathering place design gets Highland Council approval


By Alasdair Fraser

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Artists' design of My Ness Gathering Place
Artists' design of My Ness Gathering Place

A controversial artwork project on the River Ness has had it’s final design detail approved by Highland Council.

The proposal to create the “amphitheatre” landmark, with curved walls on either side of the river near Bught Park, has stoked deep hostility from some members of the public and opposing campaigners.

However, councillors have now given the green light to the design detail of what will be called the My Ness Gathering Place project, with work expected to start in the new year.

Works had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and by design changes requested by Inverness city area members to ensure the public attraction is accessible to all.

The artist and design team have now incorporated several refinements in the design detail, including rest stops and a widened end of the pier to accommodate a turning circle for wheelchair users.

Signage will also highlight when the structure is closed during high water on the river.

Off-site fabrication work is set to begin by Beauly-based construction firm Simpsons as early as January in preparation for onsite work to be undertaken when weather allows in the spring.

Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie, chair of the ICArts working group, said: “It’s a unique piece and I believe that, with the artist and designer’s international status, this is an asset to any city, especially when we have the river and the castle in the distance.

“I would call this an intergenerational piece. It’s the fact that the artists have delivered a piece that everyone will be able to come together to pause and reflect, but also enjoy the amphitheatre framing the life the river creates.

“Thousands of people are going to be attracted to Inverness with all the work already planned for the castle.

Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie
Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie

“This piece will be another reason to be proud of the Highland capital. It is also important to thank Creative Scotland for its tremendous support.

“The team behind the scenes and committee members have supported this project throughout and we are now looking at the finished project, which will be unique and something which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.”

Inverness provost, councillor Helen Carmichael, said: “It is very clear that as artists you have listened very, very carefully to all the views.

“We appreciate the time and effort the designers have put into the detail design, without losing the originality of the piece.

Councillor Helen Carmichael, provost
Councillor Helen Carmichael, provost

“The greatest irony of the Gathering Place is abundantly clear during the current pandemic, but the fact it is due to be completed as we continue our journey to vaccinate our communities provides hope that people can get together once again and celebrate this unique landmark.”

Members also noted that the final design also falls within the terms of all existing statutory consents.

Final adjustments to the design of the My Ness project fall within the current budget allocation. The project itself remains fully funded.

It was also noted that Ness Angling Club had decided not to proceed with their project to replace the Fisherman’s Hut, but members noted that this decision does not prevent construction of the My Ness art piece.

Tristan Surtees, of the artist team Sans façon and OSA, said: “It’s clear to us that the much-loved iconic River Ness is what should take centre stage.

“Our role as artists is to create a moment along the river to gather, to observe the historic, environmental and social qualities this fantastic asset holds for the city.”

“Working closely with Beauly-based Simpsons construction throughout detail design has offered the project the craftsmanship and attention to detail in construction that a work of this kind deserves, matched with the locally quarried Clashach stone the My Ness Gathering Place will be an integrated new addition to the cityscape that feels of its place.”

Previous costings suggested the project would be funded as follows: Creative Scotland (£305,000), Inverness Common Good Fund (£250,000), HIE (£66,000) and Highland Council (£106,000).


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