Bigman has big plans for the Forth & Clyde
Saturday 4 October marked the first Bigman Canal Festival at Maryhill locks, celebrating Maryhill, its canal and its people.
The day included a huge selection of land and water activities for everyone to enjoy. Visitors tried their hand at canoeing and kayaking, there were also angling demonstrations, and people were able to enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal. Street theatre, model boats, exhibitions, arts & crafts and live music performances from a host of Scottish favourites including Tam White and his Shoestring Band, Punjabi No 1 and X-Factor finalist Nikitta helped to entertain the crowds. The day finished in spectacular fashion with the ‘burning’ of the ‘Bigman’. The one day event was developed to celebrate artist Andy Scott’s latest engineering design of a giant steel sculpture, known as the ‘Bigman’, which will act as a footbridge at Stockingfield Junction. The project has just received funding for the second stage of the design process and it is hoped that the event on Saturday 4 October will encourage the local community to find out more about the future plans for the canal and the great things you can do and see on the Forth & Clyde Canal. Andy Scott, the creator of the Kelpies (the centrepiece of the Helix Project), came up with the concept of the 30m steel sculpture after British Waterways Scotland asked the artist to design a public art display that would also become the bridge at Stockingfield Junction. Andy, who works in Maryhill, said: “It’s a really exciting project to be involved in. I’ve worked in Maryhill for over 15 years now and know how important the canal was to the history of the area and the city of Glasgow. The design evolved from the structural engineering of a world unique bridge to link the communities and increase use of the canal. The intention is that the ‘Bigman’ holding up the footbridge will be representational of the historic ironworks, boat-building and other industries that were found in the Maryhill area. I hope he becomes a symbol of the area’s proud history and a beacon of hope for the future.” To bring the 'Bigman' event to life, British Waterways Scotland joined forces with The Waterways Trust Scotland, Glasgow City Council and ISIS. Also partnering is Cube Housing, Glasgow Housing Association, Queen’s Cross Housing Association, Sustrans Scotland and Maryhill Housing Association. The event is supported by Diageo. Richard Millar from British Waterways Scotland said: “We are glad to be part of such a great community event that offered so many fun activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. The ‘Bigman’ will add a new dimension to the Forth & Clyde and this event marks a very exciting step towards regenerating this part of the canal. This is a true example of British Waterways Scotland’s commitment to making the canals a focal part of the community and an asset to be enjoyed by all. “We hope that the event has encouraged everyone to get out and enjoy the local canal and find out something they didn’t know about this area. Maryhill is steeped in history and this event celebrates the past as well as looks to the future of the area. It will be both an entertaining and educational day out for the family.” Karen Moore, development director, The Waterways Trust Scotland, said: “The Bigman event was a fantastic opportunity to bring together the whole community to celebrate their waterway. The Forth & Clyde Canal has been transformed over recent years and we were keen to use this free festival to show local residents and visitors what a great place our waterways are, and how much they have to offer.” Michael O'Donnell, Diageo's Port Dundas site manager, said: "Diageo has a long history as an employer in the Maryhill area and across Glasgow so we are delighted to be supporting the début Festival. The event was a great community occasion, and it showcased a range of fun and environmentally positive activities on the Forth & Clyde." A series of ‘talking points’ produced by the Glasgow Storytellers were also on site, recounting historic tales of Maryhill entertaining both young and old. The day’s event concluded with the burning of a two dimensional drawing of the ‘Bigman’. Scottish artist Ewan Hunter in collaboration with Scott Associates, produced the ‘Fire Drawing’ for the grand finale which provided an amazing spectacle.
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