A unique work of art by Ullapool maker Allison Weightman was unveiled at LifeScan Scotland’s Beechwood premises, following a year of planning, designing and making.

In early 2011, Craft Scotland announced their partnership with LifeScan Scotland, to commission a new piece of sculpture for the LifeScan Inverness based campus.

The project was the brain child of LifeScan Scotland employee, Keith Lawrie, who founded the popular ‘myArt’ programme whereby employee artists can exhibit their art internally and sell to other members of staff.

Makers from across Scotland had the opportunity to submit proposals through Craft Scotland for the development of a sculptural commission for *LifeScan*’s Beechwood Campus. Makers were asked to propose work to generate a feeling of inclusion, community and a celebration of diversity; strongly rooted in the local surroundings and Highland culture. The brief also specified that there had to be employee involvement in the sculpture.

Makers were shortlisted by a panel, and the shortlisted maker proposals were sent to a vote by LifeScan Scotland employees. Highland based maker Allison Weightman’s design was chosen as the favourite by the employees, and she was commissioned to create the sculpture. For the commission, Allison has created five standing stones made from Caithness Stone, inlaid with blue glass panels.

Stone tilesCraft Scotland partnered with LifeScan Scotland throughout the making process, which included several hundred employees working with Allison to imprint their own messages and short poems on clay tiles. The tiles were then set in concrete around the standing stones as an integral part of the overall sculpture.

The impressive outdoor sculpture was unveiled in front of an audience of leading figures from the Scottish art scene and LifeScan Scotland employees on 17 January 2012.

For more information on the project and more photos, please click here.