A huge mosaic which shows the development of the Howe o’ the Mearns will be officially unveiled in Laurencekirk on Saturday.
Artist Alan Potter was commissioned to capture the heritage of the area in the piece of public work, which has been installed at the town’s railway station.
The idea for a piece of public art in Laurencekirk was realised by the Mearns Public Art Steering Group through an international art competition.
Mr Potter’s 10 metre mosaic is a narrative comprising five broad stages of the development of the Mearns.
These include its foundation in the 11th century, early farming and cultivation, the advent of industry and technology through the coming of the railway and the transformation of agriculture through modern farming techniques.
The last mosaic reflects the formal planning and laying out of Laurencekirk in the 18th century by Lord Gardenstone accompanied by his pet pig.
Mr Potter said: “I was chosen to design and make a work which would be inspired by the history, culture, heritage and lore of the Howe o’ the Mearns.
“Mosaic was thought to be the most appropriate medium to use due to its longevity with very little requirement for on-going maintenance.
“Mosaic also offered the opportunity for residents to get a practical experience of what is involved in the designing and making of a piece of public art.
“To this end I held art workshops to which residents of the Mearns were invited to learn basic mosaic skills and to relate their experiences, impressions and traditions of the area.
“Through many active and entertaining discussions a design, to be located on the Laurencekirk railway station platform, was conceived.
“I hope it will intrigue and entertain passengers and tourists as well as residents.”
The artwork will be officially unveiled at 1.30pm. Following the presentations, afternoon tea will be served at Mearns Academy Community Campus.
The commission also extended the project to encompass some of the villages near Laurencekirk.
Mr Potter produced a series of four fine-art prints, one for each of the village halls of Auchenblae, Fettercairn, Marykirk and Luthermuir.
He added: “The overall concept of the prints stems from the images developed in mid-20th century railway travel posters when the railway was the foremost form of travel to tourist and holiday destinations.
“Each print has its own design, hopefully reflecting the heritage and character of the village it represents.”
The art project was supported by Aberdeenshire Council, Mearns Area Partnership, Scotrail, Abellio and Network Rail.
