An "iconic" Scottish sculpture is set to return to its home at Loch Earn following a five-year absence.
The Still sculpture, also referred to as 'Mirror Man', was created by renowned Scottish sculptor and environmental artist Rob Mulholland. It was commissioned by the previous owner of the Four Seasons Hotel but was removed from the southern Highlands loch when the hotel was sold in 2017.
Now, local environmental group St Fillans in Bloom has reached a pivotal stage in their plans to reinstate the beloved statue. After raising funds to purchase the sculpture from its current owner, as well as to cover the associated costs with returning it to the loch, the group have now reached their fundraising target.
In celebration of the achievement, St Fillans in Bloom visited Mulholland's studio near Drymen in Stirlingshire. The sculpture is being stored at the studio while minor repairs and strengthening works are carried out.
Mulholland commented: "I’m delighted to be working with St Fillans in Bloom to return ‘Still’ to Loch Earn.
"The sculpture has had a real journey from when it was first installed in 2014; my original concept was to create a sculpture that symbolised the physical and spiritual relationship between humans and the natural world, and it’s humbling to see the connections people have made with it across the globe.”
St Fillans in Bloom have stated that they are aiming to have the statue returned to the loch by the end of summer this year. According to the artist, it will be placed at a location close to where it originally stood.
Taking to Facebook, he wrote: "Great news to share! After a five-year absence, ‘Still’ aka ‘Mirror Man’ will return to Loch Earn this year, all thanks to St Fillans in Bloom and the community of St Fillans who worked so hard to find a new location (just beside the original) and raise funds to bring ‘Still’ back to the Loch.
"‘Still’ is currently back in my studio near Drymen for polishing, before venturing north to his permanent home at St Fillians."
St Fillans in Bloom is being aided by the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association, who are providing project management and fundraising support. The Association was initiated by Perth & Kinross Council, which continues to work in partnership to support 48 local volunteer “Bloom” groups to carry out a wide variety of environmental and physical improvements in their local area.
Chair of Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association Karen McDonnell said: "I’m delighted the Association has supported St Fillans in Bloom reach this exciting project milestone. During its time in Loch Earn the sculpture gained international recognition – its return will provide a welcome boost to the local community and attract visitors to the area."
Treasurer of St Fillans in Bloom Audrey Gavigan added: “We have been inundated with enquiries from locals and visitors alike who are eager to see ‘Still’ returned to the village. By working in partnership with the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association and Perth and Kinross Council we have ensured the legacy of ‘Still’ will benefit our local area for years to come.”
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