A spectacular 33ft steel structure is set to transform the image of Cumbernauld.

Arria was designed by artist Andy Scott and features two huge swooping arcs inspired by the Gaelic name for Cumbernauld, "comar nan allt", which means "coming together of waters".

The £250,000 sculpture was commissioned by Campsies Centre Cumbernauld Ltd, a North Lanarkshire Council company set up to help redevelop the town.

The name for the sculpture was selected after a competition asked people living in the area to suggest a title for the work, which is part of the next phase in the Cumbernauld Positive Image Project.

-- Advertisement --

Cumbernauld lies two miles from the line of the Antonine Wall, which was built from AD142 to 144 under the orders of Emperor Antoninus.

Arria will be seen by at least 70,000 vehicles passing by every day on the A80, which is currently being turned into the M80.

Councillor Gerry McElroy chairman of Campsies said: "After almost a year of waiting she is now complete and looks fantastic.

"We are delighted with Arria and Andy has done an amazing job, as we knew he would.

"The community is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve at the Cumbernauld Positive Image Project so we hope people will welcome her.

"We hope Arria becomes an iconic landmark for the town."

A poem written by Scottish poet Jim Carruth is on display at the foot of the sculpture, encouraging visitors to walk round it and appreciate different aspects of the public artwork.

His four-verse poem, named Watershed, aims to, "capture the pride local people have in their town and the importance of listening to their voice".

(GK)