A number of people have asked me about the new public artwork that has appeared next to the coastal walkway, east of
Stannergate. It has been installed to recognise the successful programme of the
re-introduction of sea eagles to Scotland. The RSPB felt that it would be good
to mark the recent success of the programme in Tenstmuir Forest with a
permanent sculpture and some kind of informative interpretation and this site was
chosen because of its views up and down the Tay and of Tentsmuir Forest.
There was an a exhibition held in Broughty
Ferry Library two years ago which informed people about sea eagles and sought
public opinion on the proposed sculpture and the location. I’m told that the exhibition was
visited by over two thousand people and the response to the
proposal was very positive. Funding came from an application to the
Heritage Lottery Fund.
I am advised that the sculpture is made from
Corten steel which initially rusts to the colour that it is
now but the oxidation process seals the surface
from further oxidation. Apparently over time the brightness of the colour will
dull. The steel requires no maintenance and is suitable for the local marine
environment. The loose gravel
surrounding the sculpture is a fine quarry dust which will compact hard in time
and the local grass and wildflower will be encouraged to grow up to the edge of
the quarry dust and provide a soft natural edge to the site.
