Inverness River Ness art project The Gathering Place has ‘no support’, says Highland councillor
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An Inverness councillor claims a controversial public arts sub-committee are meeting in private to push forward with plans for an “unpopular” Ness-side art installation.
The Gathering Place – the riverside arts project promoted by Highland Council – is described as an “unnecessary wall” on both sides of the River Ness by Inverness West ward councillor Bill Boyd.
Members of the Inverness City Arts Working Group approved the artists’ detailed design for the My Ness Gathering Place project in December 2020. It is due to be completed by early summer.
Cllr Boyd said: “There was a meeting in private last week of the Inverness City Arts Working Group.
“It has been on hold during the pandemic. Most people I know have been hoping that it would just be forgotten about, but it hasn’t been, it has come back.
“The private meeting last week decided to push ahead with implementation of the ‘folly’ ignoring all the local unhappiness about it.
“To be honest I’ve almost given up on it. I can’t find anyone in the council administration who is prepared to listen. I’ve tried to be generous, and have looked for any support for this project among my constituents. There is none.”
Cllr Boyd said he had even been threatened with the loss of votes if he was not able to stop the plans.
He said that “good people” were resigning from Inverness community councils after being ignored by Highland councillors over the installation.
“I spend a lot of time working with and talking to Inverness West people,” he said.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say I can’t think of anyone among the residents who supports this folly.
“I was attending another council meeting last Thursday.
“Instead of wasting the money on this unpopular installation, why not put the investment into the Infirmary Bridge. After all, the bridge is a Victorian work of art. If we had done that we would have brought the bridge back to life.”
Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie, chairwoman of the Inverness City Arts Working Group sub-committee, said: “This project was discussed and approved through the council’s normal proceedings including meetings open to all city committee councillors.
“Funding for this Riverside Arts Project was created back in 2012, the city committee agreed to continue with the Inverness Riverside Art Projects with various funding from, among others, Creative Scotland.”
Site preparations are starting this week by local construction firm Simpsons.
READ: Work set to start on controversial riverside artwork in Inverness
