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This project resulted in a granite sculpture created by Doug Cocker, which sits amidst the Rowardennan landscape of the Ben Lomond National Park. The sculpture symbolises the link between the original 1950 Land Fund purchase, the commemoration of those who gave their lives during the Second World War and the permanent freedom for the nation which Ben Lomond represents. The sculpture acts as a particular focal point for the park as it frames and is framed by the landscape. The Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Honourable Donald Dewar MP officially opened the Park 11/11/1997 and unveiled the sculpture.

The SAC Officer’s Summary Report notes that “The most important aspect of the proposal is that the brief is open to interpretation and therefore it is not expected that the artist will produce a memorial in the traditionally accepted sense. Such an approach to this type of commission should be encouraged and held as an example for others wishing to commission commemorative works.”

Artists

• Doug Cocker

Funding

SAC Award amount

£45,000.00

Project total cost

£60,000.00

Funding purpose

Towards the cost of providing a symbol marking the link between 1950 Land Fund pruchase, 2nd World War and freedom for nation.

(Please note dates and details correct at time of award.)

Consultation & Commissioning Process

The competition to select the artist was organised by the Scottish Sculpture Trust on behalf of the Scottish Office, the National Trust for Scotland and the Forestry Commission. Sixty-eight artists expressed an interest and, from these, a short-list of five were invited to submit details of their proposed artwork. Doug Cocker was awarded the commission.

“The most important aspect of the proposal is that the brief is open to interpretation and therefore it is not expected that the artist will produce a memorial in the traditionally accepted sense. Such an approach to this type of commission should be encouraged and held as an example for others wishing to commission commemorative works.” (SAC assessor’s comment).

Outcomes

A new national monument for Scotland:

• The work comprises of a ring, three metres high, with a centred pyramid on its lower section. The pyramid’s apex is just below human eye level. The work is a balance of space and solid, acting as a foil for the receding waters of the loch.