The Western Isles Lottery have added a new addition to the growing sculpture Trail around Stornoway Town Centre, as their latest piece takes residence outside the Sports Centre entrance.
'Mr Puffin' joins the Co-op Cow, Mr Glen in Bayhead, the Stag and Eagle in Perceval Square, the Peat Lady in Point Street and the previously installed seals on South Beach Street. Of course, the two Herring Girls – unveiled over 20 years ago by the now-disbanded Stornoway Amenity Trust – continue to be the star attractions. 

Janet Paterson, from Western Isles Lottery, said: “We just couldn’t resist installing another sculpture which adds to the feel-good factor outside our busy Sports Centre to be enjoyed by everyone who visits. It has been expertly carved by local Uisdean Paterson and we grabbed the opportunity of this commission before Uisdean recently retired.

The Sports Centre management were delighted to take ownership of it and the puffin statue, currently named Mr Puffin, now stands loud and proud at their entrance.

They will be holding a competition to formerly rename Mr Puffin once the school goes back and are asking everyone to get their thinking caps on to come up with something original.

Excitement is building within the Lottery Team as they move forward with plans for the ambitious Stornoway Cultural Mural Trail. The installation of additional pieces to complete the trail is expected to begin in early September, with more details to follow. 

Along with their sculpture trail, Stornoway’s murals have been getting a fresh new look as well. Artist Chris Rutterford was commissioned by the Western Isles Lottery Team to freshen up numerous wall murals in and around town. Through this, he restored two of Iain Brady’s murals which celebrate the rich history and heritage of the island. These were unveiled to the public at the end of April.

The Stornoway Cultural Mural Trail is an initiative designed to revitalise key areas of the town through large scale mural artwork. The Western Isles Lottery Team are bringing culturally significant murals back to life and introducing new additions to celebrate the spirit of the community.

To join the Lottery and support your own area, you can log into www.westernisleslottery.co.uk. The Team extend thanks to those who take part, and share that the continued support contribute to these projects.

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