Fish firms sponsor sculpture

LERWICK’S harbour front is to be graced with a sculpture celebrating the islands’ long association with the fishing industry.

Four prominent businesses have joined forces to form the Pelagic Sculpture Partnership who are working with the creative agency Shetland Arts to commission the work, which will be erected beside the small boat harbour at the foot of Church Road.

The four businesses Shetland Catch, Shetland Fish Producers’ Association, Lerwick Port Authority and fish agents LHD are sponsoring half of the £80,000 project with match funding from a new arts sponsorship grant from Arts and Business Scotland.

The artist will be expected to spend part of their time living in the isles, if they are not resident already, to research the subject and take part in community activities and workshops.

Shetland Catch chairman John Goodlad said it was long overdue for the Shetland community to celebrate the importance of its fishing industry.

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“What better way than through a piece of public art which everybody can enjoy,” he said.

LPA chief executive Sandra Laurenson added: “The very existence of Lerwick as a town started due to trading with the herring fishers centuries ago and it is fitting to have a sculpture celebrating this enduring relationship continuing now with the modern pelagic sector.

“I am excited to see how the chosen artist will interpret this vibrant industry that is the foundation of much that happens in the port.”

Arts and Business Scotland chief executive David Watt said that securing sponsorship from four local businesses for a “fantastic” community arts project was “testament to the commitment and passion from within the local area to make this project a success”.