Castle Square, Stranraer

Southwest Scotland 2011

Complete remodelling of the area around the ancient Castle of St. John in the centre of Stranraer – to create a new public space. The overall design was by Smith Scott Mullan Associates (architects). As lead artist I worked closely with architect Rachel Simmonds to weave artworks into the project and with fellow artist David Ralston.

This project was awarded the Scottish Design Award for best ‘Public Realm Project 2011’ and I also received the Saltire Society award for ‘Art in Architecture’ for the best project in Scotland between 2009-11.

Castle Square 001, Stranraer.
Stranraer is a small town at the extreme tip of SouthWest Scotland. It is the market town for the surrounding population and has, until very recently been the ferry port for the route to Belfast. My Great Grandfather William Macgregor started his Veterinary practice in Stranraer in the late 19th Century – on King Street where an etched sign is still visible.
Castle Square 002, Stranraer.
Greywacke stone was formed from the material from the seabed of the ocean that once existed between the landmasses that were to become Scotland and England.
Castle Square 003, Stranraer.
The artwork Greywacke comprises a 40m low wall constructed from graded forms of Greywacke stone and inscribed with Mary Smith’s poem ‘Ocean’.
Castle Square 004, Stranraer.
The southern side of the square conceals the town burn. I used the shape of bubbles that I had watched form on the local rivers as the inspiration for the circular central area of the square.
Castle Square 005, Stranraer.
The central circular artwork is called Wiel (meaning Pool in Scots). It comprises stencil cut stainless steel that is flooded with coloured and textured concrete.
Castle Square 006, Stranraer.
Castle of St John at night viewed from the centre of the artwork Wiel. One of 30 small bronze castings of the bubble motif, inscribed lettering of Mary Smith’s poem ‘Ocean’ on the coping stones.