'Lanark's Mighty Clydesdale' sculpture unveiled in town to highlight area's agricultural history

A large sculpture of a Clydesdale horse has been erected in Lanark to pay tribute to the town’s history.

‘Lanark’s Mighty Clydesdale’, which cost £55,000, was unveiled in the town on July 23 and organised by Lanark Community Development Trust.

The art installation was erected on Hyndford Road, across from the Lanark Market, which is a prominent location as it hosted Clydesdale Horse sales for over 140 years.

Lanark Community Development Trust took to social media to share the news of the unveiling of the horse.

It was erected across from Lanark Market, which hosted Clydesdale Horse sales for over 140 years. Facebook

It said: “We’re so pleased to finally share the magnificent Clydesdale horse sculpture with everyone. It’s been a busy week with the installation of the statue, the signage and the laying of turn on the mound.

“When it arrived on Tuesday morning, chairman of the Trust, Sylvia Russell, had a tear in her eye as it arrived. It was the realisation of a lot of hard work and effort to make this project a reality.

“At the unveiling today, Sylvia thanked all those who had helped along the way.

“We hope that you feel, as we do, that it is a fitting tribute to Lanark’s connection with this majestic animal.”

The Trust hopes to enhance education by sparking a local interest in the Clydesdale Horse and Lanark’s agricultural heritage.

The process of gathering funding for the sculpture was lengthy, but thanks to grants and private donations, the target was met.

The sculpture cost £55,000 to erect. Facebook

Levenseat Trust donated a grant of £15,000, the Renewable Energy Fund granted £20,000 and £300 was given from South Lanarkshire Council’s Common Good Fund.

The Common Good Fund is a fund administered by the council in respect of former burghs within the area of the local authority.

Clydesdale North councillor Catherine McClymont, who was involved with the project, said: “I am delighted to finally see the sculpture erected at the auction market site. This project has taken longer than was anticipated due to trying to find the right site for the sculpture.

“I was really pleased that the development trust were granted permission from Lawrie and Symington who are hosting the Magnificent Clydesdale in their ground but a prominent position whilst entering or leaving the town.

“This is all due to the determination of Sylvia Russell, chair of Lanark Community Development Trust, who has had this vision for many years.

“I would like to thank all the main sponsors especially the Renewable Energy Fund which is administered by South Lanarkshire Council and Levenseat Trust of which I am a Trustee. All donations from the community and beyond were welcome and appreciated.”

Bristol-based designers Cod Steaks manufactured the horse.