Artworks in lanes ‘will stand as a lasting testament’ to Wick heritage

Opinions have been divided on the new artworks in Wick lanes – but the charity behind the project has promised that the creative installations will “stand as a lasting testament” to the town’s rich heritage.

The materials used will acquire a “distinctive look” over a period of months and years, Sustrans Scotland emphasised.

The Wick Lanes Pocket Places initiative is intended to make the town centre more appealing and welcoming.

Five designs by local artists Aimee Lockwood and Hannah Cambridge – inspired by aspects of local history, and plasma-cut from weathering steel – have been put up in Wares Lane (Back Bridge Street), John Street and Market Lane.

The project has been supported by the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme and delivered in partnership with Highland Council and the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council.

The designs were produced following interactive workshops hosted by the two artists.

Reaction online has been mixed, with some social media users describing the artworks as having a rusty and unattractive appearance, while others have taken a more positive view of the efforts to enhance the area.

One person commented on Facebook: “I think rust is a great metaphor for the slow deterioration of Wick due to neglect. If that was the brief then they’ve nailed it.”

Another observed: “It immediately looks like it’s old and hasn’t been looked after, so at least it is in keeping with the rest of the town.”

However, Sustrans Scotland stressed that the artworks will gradually darken.

A spokesperson said: “They have been plasma-cut from weathering steel, a robust and long-lasting material that will stand as a lasting testament to Wick’s rich heritage and long history.

“Also known as COR-TEN steel, this architectural steel alloy is designed to last and will result in lower maintenance costs. It is engineered to provide its own protection from the elements with an innovative formulation that weathers on the outside while the overall structure is protected.

“This layer of oxidation will age over the months and years for a distinctive look, darkening as time goes on.”

The spokesperson added: “The chosen finished material of the frame and poles is galvanised steel, chosen for its ability to withstand coastal climates.”

A graphic shared by Sustrans Scotland has a colour chart and timeline showing the surface of the artworks having a rusty colour over the first six months or so, evolving to steadily deeper shades of brown after two years. The colour then appears to develop into a darker grey or charcoal before having a black appearance after 40 or more years.

Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner has said the artworks will make the town centre “a more inviting and appealing place in a small way”.

The design at the bottom of the Market Lane steps has a bench and a planter alongside. There is also a bench at the top of Tolbooth Lane.

Commercial bins tend to be placed in front of the two artworks in Wares Lane, hampering any attempts to examine their artistic merits from close up.

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