Second Linlithgow town centre statue unveiled

The new ‘St Michael’ statue and its granite plinth are now in place at Low Port, forming the centrepiece of one of the flower beds maintained by Burgh Beautiful Linlithgow and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Linlithgow & Bo’ness.

The sculptor, Alan Herriot, was on hand to oversee the placing of the plinth by stonemasons W L Watson & Son and the installation of his winged St Michael sculpture by Powderhall Bronze.

John Mason, chairman of the Burgh Trust said: “We are very pleased to see the completed sculpture and plinth, installed after a design and manufacturing process which has taken the past eight months.

“That was preceded by an extensive public consultation to ensure that the views of the people of Linlithgow were taken into account in the final design and location of the sculpture.

“Alan Herriot has produced a magnificent piece of public art and we are delighted that there has already been a very favourable reaction on social media.”

Alan added: “As a sculptor principally interested in the field of figurative sculpture, I was delighted to win the commission to sculpt St Michael and the opportunity to have a second work sited in this historic town.

“I am always mindful that appreciation of public art works is very subjective, but hope that the new sculpture will enhance the town and the community’s pride and sense of belonging for many years to come.”

The unveiling of St Michael comes just over nine months after the ‘Black Bitch’ sculpture by David Annand on the High Street.

Ron Smith, convenor of the Trust’s Public Art and Burgh Beautiful Committees, said: “We are, of course, extremely grateful to all who have supported the civic sculptures project.

“A huge thank you is due to all the funding organisations, crowdfunders and individuals who have contributed to the project.

“Unfortunately, the impact of the coronavirus means that the official unveiling of the St Michael sculpture, at which the supporters’ input will be formally recognised, will have to be delayed until 2021. In the meantime, we are working on a small book about the sculptures and the general subject of Linlithgow’s civic insignia which will be launched early next year.”