An 18th century bust worth £2.5m depicting late landowner and MP Sir John Gordon should be sold by Highland Council, a committee has recommended.
The bust in Invergordon – an asset of the town’s common good fund purchased by the local council in 1930 – was created by French artist Edmé Bouchardon and has increased “significantly” in value.
Sir John Gordon, believed to be the founder of the town of Invergordon, was a landowner born in 1610.
Members of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee agreed to recommend to the council to sell, with the bust held for a number of years in secure storage.
The committee found the town’s common good fund has “little else in the way of assets or property that can generate income.”
Members agreed that a “museum quality replica” should be commissioned and the inclusion of a re-sale clause should be explored.
Cllr Lyndsey Johnston, chair of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee, said: “Any proceeds received would represent a capital receipt for Invergordon Common Good fund, which could offer the potential for investment that would result in the generation of an ongoing income stream for Invergordon common good.
“This would then be available to be used for the benefit of the Invergordon community.
“The community and visitors will be able to enjoy the replica bust and the history behind the original for years to come.”
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