Highland Council gave green light to 'divisive' Inverness artwork My Ness's Gathering Place 5 years ago
Five years have now passed since the green light was given to one of the more controversial artworks in the history of modern Inverness.
Highland Council's City of Inverness committee made a "decisive" vote over the Gathering Place - part of the My Ness project - in August 2019.
The decision brought an end to years of back-and-forth as the proposal, its design, and even its location morphed and hopped around the city's riverside amid often heated debate over its merits.
From a tilting pier that dangled out over the River Ness from open space near the entrance of Inverness Cathedral, the project faced multiple hurdles and setbacks before a final - divisive - choice was made to create what exists in the city today.
Advocates argued that the artwork would act as a destination for visitors, bringing more people into the city.
At the time of the decision, one of the independent experts who evaluated the project noted: “It is the fate of public art to stir controversy - It is my view that the debates that arise are an important part of our culture.
“It is a commonplace observation that public art that is received perhaps begrudgingly at the outset often becomes the much-loved landmarks and place-makers of the future.”
Some were not convinced however, with complaints that the concrete curving pier out over the waters of the river was an ugly eyesore that damaged the view downstream from the Ness Islands beauty spot. Part of the work is actually on the Islands too, although there is little to indicate that is why it is there - and that it is in any way connected to what is on the Bught Park side of the river.
Others decried what they felt was a waste of public funding that might be better spent on other projects.
Since its completion, the walkway has also attracted occasional graffiti, and some of the angling community were not pleased with its location close to popular fishing spots and facilities.
And although hailed by supporters, there has yet to be an official opening or ‘unveiling’.
Speaking after the committee’s decision in 2019, the chairwoman of the Inverness City Arts (ICARTS) Working Group, Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie said: “Public art has immense value in cities across the world. The inspiration, enhancement, discussion and even controversy it brings is part of those things which enrich our lives. We should be looking at this as a community wellness project.”
Despite its controversy, people are often spotted on the walkway, taking advantage of its vantage point out over the river to take photos and enjoy the view of the river.
