By Joy Watters, arts reporter

THREE SCULPTURES inspired by the dark history of Dundee will be appearing in the city centre next weekend.

They are the work of Neil Scott, a second-year fine art student at Duncan of Jordanstone, who hails from Blairgowrie.

Neil likes the idea of public art which puts work where everyone can see it.

He also enjoys sculpture and his newest work marries the two.

The artist has created three sculptures, based on his historical research, which will be placed at the sites of historic events for a few days.

He said, “I knew little about the history of Dundee before this project began 12 weeks ago and now know how interesting and turbulent the city’s past is.’’

He continued, “The first is in the Howff graveyard and shows a portly figure trying to conduct a meeting with another man.

“This sculpture represents the nefarious secret meetings of tradesmen and councillors held in the Howff.”

It is a mixed media work made mostly of recycled Yellow Pages.

The second sculpture is in Horse Wynd, between Murraygate and Seagate.

“This is near an area where Dundee women were reportedly burnt at the stake as witches by the political and religious authorities of the time, and is constructed out of burnt timber and specially-made signs,’’ said Neil.

The third is on the paved area by the Overgate and Steeple Church.

Paper shadows will be arranged as the sculpture refers to the great fire in the church in 1841 and the crowds that gathered.

It is made from cut and painted paper glued to the ground.

The three pieces will be installed on April 22 and 23.

Dundee has a more recent history of public art, which sprang from the Blackness area to brighten up the centre and outlying areas.

Neil acknowledged the role of Duncan of Jordanstone lecturer Bob McGilvray in encouraging him to put his work in the public domain.

So what is Neil’s favourite piece of Dundee public art?

“It has to be the monkey sitting on top of the public information sign in the city centre.’’