A massive advert for a whisky firm has been given the go-ahead by Perth and Kinross Council despite the absence of any public consultation.
The 14.25m high sculpture of a grouse taking flight will be erected above the gateway to Perth after planning officials gave the project the green light.
Chosen as “a symbol of Perthshire,” the sculpture is to be paid for by The Edrington Group, intrinsically tied to the grouse image as producers of The Famous Grouse whisky.
It is envisaged as a lasting legacy of the city’s 800th anniversary celebrations and Perth and Kinross Provost Dr John Hulbert believes it will become a “key landmark.”
But despite it attracting national attention when plans were announced, the council appears to have decided it did not merit any discussion.
Councillors have had no say in the fast-track decision to allow the sculpture to rise from the Broxden roundabout, where it will tower over the A9. And objections from members of the public concerned that the sculpture amounts to nothing more than “permanent free publicity for an alcoholic product” were dismissed as they did not reach the “trigger” number at which plans must go councillors.Green lightIn the document giving the sculpture the green light, planning officers noted that concern over a perceived link to drinks advertising was “not considered to be a material consideration in assessing the application.”
The reporting officer also noted, “Whilst I recognise that there is a link between the applicant and the sculpture, it is not considered that this will be clearly apparent as the sculpture has been specifically designed to avoid any form of corporate advertisement.”
Work has already begun in earnest on the sculpture, which is being created by Ruaraig Maciver of Beltane Studios, known for the statue of Jean Armour, wife of Robert Burns, at Mauchline in Ayrshire.
The 6.25m grouse is being made from an open framework of galvanised steel and mounted on an 8m-high plinth in the centre of the roundabout where it will be seen by the thousands of motorists who use the busy junction each day, and by residents of the Oakbank area.
A council spokeswoman confirmed the application had been granted by planning officers under “delegated powers.”Disquiet”The application was determined under delegated powers as there was no financial interest for the council regarding the site, this was not a major application in planning terms, the application wasn’t contrary to any planning policy and there were only two objections submitted,” she said.
But Alexander Stewart, leader of the Conservative group on the council, admitted that local people had expressed disquiet to him about the plans.
“I have had a number of constituents speak to me on the subject of the sculpture and they expressed concerns about its size, location and its relation to drink,” he said. “I advised them that if they had concerns then they should go through the normal channels and submit an objection. I didn’t have anyone come to me to say that it was a good idea.”
Nonetheless, in a press release issued by The Edrington Group, Dr Hulbert said the dramatic artwork would offer a huge boost to the city’s image.
“Perth 800 has been a huge success and this gift from The Edrington Group to the city is a fantastic legacy to end our year-long celebrations,” he said. “I am sure this statue will become a key landmark for Perth and one that the residents of Perthshire will be very proud of.Angel of the North”Perth has a great history and connection with the grouse, especially given its great importance to the local economy, so we felt this was a very fitting choice. We hope this sculpture will become our version of the Angel of the North.”
There was also a warm welcome for what would be “a striking sculpture at the gateway to Perth” from cabinet secretary and North Tayside MSP John Swinney.
“It will provide a lasting legacy of the Perth 800 celebration with the symbol of Perthshire,” he said.
Gerry O’Donnell, director of The Famous Grouse at The Edrington Group, said the firm was delighted to make the gift of the sculpture to Perth to mark the finale of Perth 800.
“We hope that it will provide a spectacular landmark that symbolises Perth’s wonderful location as the gateway to the Highlands,” he said.