The memorial to fiddler Niel Gow was installed in Little Dunkeld on Thursday 10th December, at a location on the Birnam side of Dunkeld Bridge, beside the footpath leading across the grass area to the Royal School. The life-size bronze sculpture by Scottish artist David Annand has proved to be a popular addition to the village-scape and it has been interesting to see how light and weather conditions affect its appearance. (Not long after the installation, one or two folk were taken aback when coming across the figure of a man loitering about the footpath at dusk!)
Sadly, due to the prevailing virus situation, it was not possible to hold a celebration on the day. Once this pandemic is behind us (and who knows when that will be?) we will of course hold a gathering and concert to
officially “unveil” this fine memorial.
This significant achievement has been possible only as a result of the generous support and donations given by so many individuals and organisations, and I would like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thank you all on behalf of the Niel Gow Festival Society.
The past year has been a difficult time for everyone. Those in the world of performing arts have of course lost a huge amount of work, though online activities have blossomed and there has been the bonus of much "free"
time for creativity to flourish.
There will be no Niel Gow Festival this March, although we are looking into putting something on line, possibly a retrospective slide show with background music.
Pete Clark
- Chair, the Niel Gow Festival Society (Reg. Charity No. SC 044610)
The life-size bronze sculpture of Niel Gow by Scottish artist David Annand settles into life in Little Dunkeld.
Photos clockwise from bottom left: Niel Gow with sculptor David Annand; Niel Gow in the Snow by John Martin; Niel Gow with Pete Clark, Chair of the Niel Gow Festival Society; Niel Gow on a frosty morning by Chris Wylie.
