Culloden pupils carve artistic partnership with wood sculptor

Pupils at Duncan Forbes Primary School, Culloden have been planning a creative partnership with a local wood sculptor for the past two months as part of their class work.

In advance of recent essential tree felling and tree surgery works on Culloden Drive the school has been working with Highland Council Countryside Ranger John Orr to create design templates for Sculptor Iain Chalmers to work with on tree trunks which will remain after the felling is completed in the Drive.

John Orr said: “This has been a very satisfying project working with the pupils at Duncan Forbes Primary as we are not only bringing some reality to their art and design class work, we are also tying in their creative thinking to their surroundings and what is going on in their community in a sustainable way. As well as working in the classroom the children have been up to Culloden Drive to look at why we are felling some of the trees and they will be returning to see their designs being sculpted by Iain.”

John, Iain and Primary 5 class teacher Susan Morrison have helped the pupils in their art and design subjects to create designs on the theme of mythological creatures and people. The class is also studying woodland management and biodiversity.

Sculptor Iain Chalmers said: “It was inspiring working with the pupils and seeing all the great ideas that they came up with. Narrowing down the choices for sculpting will be a really hard task.”

The five best designs will be chosen by Iain and he is going to use the large trunks, some up to 4 metres high which will be left after felling to bring the pupil’s designs to reality.  The actual sculpture work will be starting around mid May and the sculptures will be on permanent display on Culloden Drive for everyone to enjoy.

Susan Morrison P5 Class Teacher said: “We would like to thank John and Iain for all their hard work – the class have really enjoyed working with them and they have responded well to the challenges that were set for them.”

For further information please contact: John Orr, Inverness East & Nairn Countryside Ranger. The Highland Council, Planning & Development Service tel: 01463 702932