My Ness art project in Inverness to move on to next stage
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A working group agreed to move on to the construction phase of the My Ness project at a meeting this week.
Funding for additional work needed to enhance access arrangements to the art piece – two curved walls on opposite sides of the River Ness near the Ness Islands – has been secured.
Since a report was presented to city councillors in November officers from Highland Council have worked with Creative Scotland to close the funding gap which emerged following the changes to the original design.
The changes improved access for the project beyond the original specification to meet legal requirements.
The next phase will involve giving close care and attention to the natural environment and an ecological assessment will be undertaken in liaison with the Ness District Fisheries Board.
The council insisted the project team are also working closely with the council’s tree officer to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect the local environment.
One mature tree next to the Fisherman’s Hut, which is in poor condition, will be removed under a general tree management plan for the area as well as another on the opposite riverbank.
Otherwise, site clearance work will involve the removal of undergrowth and shrubs, according to the council.
A further update was provided to the meeting of the Inverness City Arts Working Group (ICArts) on the siting of the Rest Space art project – a platform overlooking the river which was original planned for Bank Street.
It has been agreed that the Rest Space will now be located as part of the West Link Project within the new parkland area which is currently under construction.
Consents are now all in place and installation will begin in the coming months as this part of the development progresses and the installation costs will be part of the West Link Project.
Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie, the working group chairwoman, said: “We are appreciative for the additional funding which allows for the My Ness art piece to go ahead and wish to thank Creative Scotland who have been fully supportive of the River Ness art project programme throughout.
"We are also hugely appreciative for all the hard work by the council project team for getting us to this final stage and look forward to seeing work start on the installation, which is for use by members of public when enjoying our beautiful riverscape."
Related article:
- Work to start on Inverness riverside artwork this spring
- River Ness artwork in Inverness to proceed after Highland councillors question funding legitimacy
