Odyssey Enhances Courtyard Experience At Fortrose Academy

The courtyard at Fortrose Academy – a popular meeting area for pupils at intervals and lunch time - has been significantly enhanced with a new centrepiece featuring a landscaped sculpture and a multi-sports area.

The sculpture is called the Black Isle Odyssey and is a sculptural tableau constructed in oak, steel and bronze and set on four grassed mounds. Its elements collectively address ideas of education as a journey. Within its space the work uses the motif of a small boat confronting three distinct islands.  Each island is represented as a sculptural image reflecting stages in the journey through time of birth, maturity and old age.

Pupils had their say in the project, which was promoted by the Black Isle Arts Group, and produced by acclaimed sculptor Doug Cocker and have voted the sculpture a big success.

Also within the courtyard is a multi-sports area, which is used at break times by pupils of all ages.

The Highland Council, Scottish Arts Council, Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, the Black Isles Arts Group and the school all contributed towards the £191,000 cost of the courtyard developments. The landscape was designed by The Highland Council’s Property and Architectural Services and constructed by O’Brien Properties Ltd, Dingwall. Project management of the Pan Highland Arts Programme was by Dr Lindsay Blair.

The sculpture was officially opened tonight (Tuesday). It completes the redevelopment of the school and is seen as the final piece in the jigsaw of providing a community library and performance venue.

Head Teacher Douglas Simpson is delighted with the development of the courtyard.

He said: "The pupils really appreciate the excellent use of space at the heart of the school. The play area allows those who want to be active to be active and allows those who want to be restful to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the courtyard.  Both mix happily together."

The open area is also popular with pupils exercising on six unicycles, which can be requested from the Head Teacher, who is proficient at unicycling and introduced the bikes to the school.