The Fraserburgh community is being invited to help shape how an iconic sculpture could look as construction of a major new facility for the town continues.

Artist and sculptor Carn Standing has been commissioned to create a large scale sculpture that will be suspended above the main social area of the brand new sports and community centre off Maconochie Road.

The initiative is part of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning & Leisure Capital Plan to replace Aberdeenshire’s oldest swimming pool with a brand new £8.2m complex.

The facility will feature a six-lane championship pool, sports facilities, a 20-station fitness suite and a range of community and learning activities.

Boyndie-based artist Carn has more than 25 years’ experience working principally in ceramics, mild steel, bronze and acrylic glass, often combining more than one material.

His previous sculptural works include landmark pieces that are life-size and larger-than-life for a variety of public places including museums, football and rugby grounds, film sets and major theme parks. His commissioned works are in private collections around the world.

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The sculpture will be created during the construction of the building, working closely with an in-house design team to integrate the physical needs of the art work with the fabric of the building.

Education, Leisure and Learning Committee chairman Cllr Richard Stroud said: "This project gives the people of Fraserburgh a real opportunity to help shape how this key piece of artwork will look.

"I would encourage everybody to give their views so that the final piece is a true reflection of the town and its residents."

Banff and Buchan Area Committee chairman Cllr Sydney Mair said: "The new sports and community centre will be a key focal point in the community, and it’s important to give everybody the chance to feed into this process.

"We would like to see something special and inspiring that will resonate with folk in Fraserburgh and have a positive impact on the identity of the town."

Carn has begun a process of research and consultation, meeting with and seeking views from community groups and users of the new building, as well as exploring the local landscape and finding out about the town's rich history and heritage.

Carn said: "I’m excited at the prospect of creating a feature artwork that will have a real connection with the town and the people who live there. I hope to capture something of the spirit of local people."

The artist will reveal his concept for the artwork in early February, following further consultation with community groups.

Construction of the new centre began summer 2011 and is scheduled for completion January 2013.

The art work feature is part of the new build and follows Aberdeenshire's Council's best practice policy for Percent for Art.

(GK)