The location is Lanark Auction. It’s 3 m tall. It’s new. It was made by CodSteaks. It was paid for by fundraising. ¹
The art installation was erected on Hyndford Road, across from the Lanark Market, which is a prominent location as it hosted Clydesdale Horse sales for over 140 years. It was unveiled July 23rd, 2022.
Lanark Community Development Trust took to social media to share the news of the unveiling of the horse. It said: "We’re so pleased to finally share the magnificent Clydesdale horse sculpture with everyone. It’s been a busy week with the installation of the statue, the signage, and the laying of turn on the mound.
"When it arrived on Tuesday morning, Chairman of the Trust, Sylvia Russell, had a tear in her eye as it arrived. It was the realisation of a lot of hard work and effort to make this project a reality. "At the unveiling today, Sylvia thanked all those who had helped along the way. We hope that you feel, as we do, that it is a fitting tribute to Lanark’s connection with this majestic animal."
The trust hopes to enhance education by sparking a local interest in the Clydesdale Horse and Lanark’s agricultural heritage. The process of gathering funding for the sculpture was lengthy, but thanks to grants and private donations, the target was met. Levenseat Trust donated a grant of £15,000, the Renewable Energy Fund granted £20,000 and £300 was given from South Lanarkshire Council’s Common Good Fund (this is a fund of money administered by the council in respect of former burghs within the area of the local authority).
Clydesdale North councillor Catherine McClymont, was involved with the project, she said: “I am delighted to finally see the sculpture erected at the auction market site. his project has taken longer than was anticipated due to trying to find the right site for the sculpture.”
²from Lawrie and Symington who are hosting the Magnificent Clydesdale in their ground but a prominent position whilst entering or leaving the town.
“This is all due to the determination of Sylvia Russell, chairwoman of Lanark Community Development Trust, who has had this vision for many years.
"I would like to thank all the main sponsors especially the Renewable Energy Fund which is administered by South Lanarkshire Council and Levenseat Trust of which I am a Trustee. All donations from the community and beyond were welcome and appreciated.”
The 3m tall sculpture, which is expected to weigh between one and two tonnes will sit atop a 1.5m area of raised ground so that visitors coming into Lanark along Hyndford Road will be able to see it. ²
Sources: ¹ Gàidhlig4Sasannachs; ² Daily Record