Macduff maritime writer's sculpture unveiled
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A SCULPTURE in honour of maritime writer and artist Peter Anson has been unveiled in Macduff, completing a two-year project for a Banff group.
Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association revealed the contemporary steel piece at the town’s Crook o’ Ness Street maritime garden.
Planning consent was originally turned down by councillors last year to house the sculpture in Macduff, but the association won a subsequent appeal to the Scottish Government.
Association secretary Stanley Bruce said: “We got there in the end.
“It was very much a community effort which was great to see, and local businesses threw their weight behind the project.
“At a time when councils are strapped for cash, this proves that community groups can still achieve things.”
The unveiling ceremony was led by Aberdeenshire Council Provost Bill Howatson and was also attended by council leader Anne Robertson and Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson.
Representatives from the Apostleship of the Sea, which Anson co-founded, were also present.
The sculpture depicts a fishing boat and net and was originally situated outside the ACE Winches plant at Montbletton, where it was constructed.
Born in Portsmouth, Mr Anson had a strong connection to Macduff where he lived in the 1930s and 1950s, and its fishing industry.
He died in 1975 and is still remembered in the area for his paintings and books.
The garden at Crook o’ Ness street was chosen after it was the preferred site in public consultation carried out by the association.
