An iconic new statue has been commissioned to overlook one of central Scotland's major roads.

The £250,000 work by artist Andy Scott will be built at the side of the A80 in Cumbernauld. The sculpture, made of steel,  will be of a female shape with two large swooping arcs behind, inspired by the original name for Cumbernauld, “cumer nan alt”, which means “coming together of waters” in Gaelic.

It is part of a scheme to boost the image of the North Lanarkshire town, which has come under criticism in recent years.

Mr Scott has had public works displayed around the world, including the Thanksgiving Square Beacon in Belfast, works in Australia as well as the Heavy Horse beside the M8 and the Easterhouse Phoenix.

He said: "Cumbernauld has always had its detractors and much like Dundee 20 years ago, it is fashionable to decry the town.

"However, I believe Cumbernauld has a lot to offer. Things have changed for the better over the past few years and I hope the sculpture will represent the aspiration of Cumbernauld as intended by the original planners and architects."

He added: "I'm pleased it's going to be sited overlooking the A80 as it gives the maximum amount of people the best chance to see what will hopefully become an iconic landmark for Cumbernauld."

The final statue will be ten meters tall and be on display overlooking the A80 to the north of the Auchenkilns Junction in the town.