In December 2007 Sustrans’ Connect2 cycling programme won a £50 million grant from the BIG Lottery Fund for 79 UK-wide walking and cycling routes. Glasgow’s ambitious project will lead to the completion of that initial vision for the “Bridge to Nowhere” to link across the M8. By Spring 2013 this new route will link to the city centre via Waterloo St. providing a much needed link city centre for cyclists and pedestrians.
Portrait Bench
An important part of the project is the Portrait Bench. This basic wooden bench is surrounded by three life-size figures cut from Corten steel, the same material used for the famous Angel of the North near Gateshead, Tyne and Weir.
Gradually, they will weather and become a natural part of the landscape.
The final characters are chosen by you, based on the contribution they have made to local life, culture or history. Twelve have been suggested to help you vote for the final 3 figures to surround the bench. Including any alternative suggestions you can nominate a maximum of three characters.
Nominees
Alasdair Gray - Scottish writer and artist
Billy Connolly - Comedian and actor
Tom Weir - author, broadcaster and climber
Jim Watt - Boxer, sports commentator
Rikki Fulton - comic actor
Sir Thomas Lipton - creator of the Lipton tea brand
Jimmy Reid - Activist, Politician, Journalist
Margo MacDonald - politician, socialist, columnist
James Watt - Inventor, engineer
Marion Gilchrist – First woman to gain medical degree
Lulu - Singer
John Craig – Anderston community activist
Vote at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/portraitbench