Bill The Bull by Kev Paxton
Filming Kim for STV news at 6 Yes that is me being filmed for Scottish Television News at Six! What a whirlwind year so far. I've been busy setting up the BLiSS trail of art and architecture installations with LETi our local tourism group. This is our contribution to Scotland's national tourism theme "Year of Innovation Architecture and Design 2016". BLiSS stands for Balquhidder Lochearnhead Strathyre and St Fillans villages and the i represents Tourist Information as well as innovation. The official launch was 27th April at The Broch Cafe in Strathyre - with yummy home made shortbread and Lucaffe coffee provided by owners Bill and Lesley.
We had a lovely collaboration of delegates including; local village community representatives, councillors, Visit Scotland, Stirling Enterprise, community police, Sustrans Scotland, The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and many of the artists including Perth College UHI students.
We were delighted when STV accepted our invitation and sent reporter Lucy White and Camera man Danny Livingston. I was filmed in front of "A Soaring Eagle" by Iain Chalmers in the Broch recreation area near Sutrans RT, Strathyre and artist Kev Paxton was filmed beside Bill The Bull, explaining how he wants to make people smile through his artwork. The footage no longer exists however you can hear my voice over on STV's Facebook page.
The trail is mapped at www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail. Look out for Bill, a big colourful metal bull that "grazes" in the Lochearnhead Hotel car park entertaining passers by. He was designed and made by Blacksmith and metal artist Kev Paxton in his smiddy. Kev made the thistles at Edinburgh airport and is busy with other commissions like herds of cattle, rams, peacocks, haggis, garden furniture and garden gates. He is also very passionate about the Ripple Retreat that is being built on Loch Venachar as a holiday home for young cancer patients and their families. He is making a bespoke piece for them to enjoy. I call him the man that works in steel with a heart of gold.
We had a lovely collaboration of delegates including; local village community representatives, councillors, Visit Scotland, Stirling Enterprise, community police, Sustrans Scotland, The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and many of the artists including Perth College UHI students.
We were delighted when STV accepted our invitation and sent reporter Lucy White and Camera man Danny Livingston. I was filmed in front of "A Soaring Eagle" by Iain Chalmers in the Broch recreation area near Sutrans RT, Strathyre and artist Kev Paxton was filmed beside Bill The Bull, explaining how he wants to make people smile through his artwork. The footage no longer exists however you can hear my voice over on STV's Facebook page.
The trail is mapped at www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail. Look out for Bill, a big colourful metal bull that "grazes" in the Lochearnhead Hotel car park entertaining passers by. He was designed and made by Blacksmith and metal artist Kev Paxton in his smiddy. Kev made the thistles at Edinburgh airport and is busy with other commissions like herds of cattle, rams, peacocks, haggis, garden furniture and garden gates. He is also very passionate about the Ripple Retreat that is being built on Loch Venachar as a holiday home for young cancer patients and their families. He is making a bespoke piece for them to enjoy. I call him the man that works in steel with a heart of gold.
Lookout near Monachyle Mhor Balquhidder Another piece that is causing intrigue is the Lookout by architects Daniel Tyler and Angus Ritchie. The mirrored box was designed for The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Scenic Routes project. I challenge you to find it! Drive towards Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder then look left between Loch Voil and Doine. Walk to the middle of the field between the lochs and you will see it, reflecting you and the surroundings. We would love to see your photos @Briarcottages and @robroycountry #BLiSStrail. Other pieces on the trail include:
 Fish Out Of Water by Lynne Shroder  Airliephant #BLiSStrail |  Grooming Stag by June McEwan  Hunting Owl by Heather Gray |
See more of the 13 BLiSS Trail art installations and 10 BLiSS trail ornaments.
Fraser fans will be wondering why I have not mentioned him? Don't worry he got in the act big style. Blacksmith artist Kev Paxton named one of the art works on the trail after him! Find out about "Fraser Briar" in my next blog. Enjoy the trail and please share your #BLiSStrail photo's on Twitter and Facebook.
Fraser fans will be wondering why I have not mentioned him? Don't worry he got in the act big style. Blacksmith artist Kev Paxton named one of the art works on the trail after him! Find out about "Fraser Briar" in my next blog. Enjoy the trail and please share your #BLiSStrail photo's on Twitter and Facebook.
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