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Every day around 50,000 cars travel past “The Horn” on the M8 motorway between east and west Scotland. This 24metre high sculpture blasts out a random recording of civil rights leaders, bands playing Onward Christian Soldiers, and other messages to the passing motorists. Created by Dalziel & Scullion, The Horn contributes to a series of public art commissions within the M8 Art Project.

Artists

• Louise Scullion
• Matthew Dalziel

Funding

SAC Award amount

£80,250.00

Project total cost

£153,901.00

Funding purpose

Towards the cost of commissioning a landmark sculpture marking the boundaries of Polkemmet Country Park and West Lothian border.

(Please note dates and details correct at time of award.)

Consultation & Commissioning Process

Pupils from West Lothian Secondary School were involved in the final stages of this project. A small group of pupils were taken to the fabrication workshop in Wigtownshire to see The Horn under construction. The pupils were also invited to the installation event.

The artists, Louise Scullion and Matthew Dalziel were selected through international limited competition. The public art agency Art in Partnership were appointed as project managers for the design and commissioning stages of this project. From a longlist prepared by Art in Partnership, a selection panel invited four artists to prepare proposals. The selection panel then chose the proposal of Dalziel & Scullion.

Outcomes

• The Horn: 24 metre high sculpture of tubular steel with sound recording.