The 7stanes (Scots for stone) are seven mountain biking centres developed by the Forestry Commission spanning the south of Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. As the bike tracks were developed, the appearance of 7 mysterious stanes was discovered. Each of the stands have inscribed symbols, the mystery once deciphered reveals a well-known saying. A publication by Scottish artist Ronnie Heeps revealing the background to the sculptures is available.
In collaboration with:
Carving – Russell Coleman and Mark Powers
Client:
Forestry Commission Scotland
Photography:
Courtesy of Forestry Commission Scotland
Glentrool: The Giant Axe Head
The Glentrool area is known for its stone age past and legends of stone throwing giants in Scotland and Ireland. The Giant Axe Head - a 1.5 ton sculpture which overlooks Loch Dee - closely resembles actual neolithic stone axes and has runic text, thought to be the oldest poem in Ireland, inscribed onto its surface.
Kirroughtree: The Gem Stane
Kirroughtree’s trails are known as the 7stanes’ hidden gem, and the trails are also close to the Creetown Gem Rock Museum. This 1.75 ton stone is made from Scottish pink quartz.
Dalbeattie: The Heart Cleft Stane
It pays homage to the town’s reputation as being the heart of the granite industry in the south of Scotland. The inscription on the giant heart reveals where the granite has been exported to all over the world.
Mabie: The Ghost Stane
Situated in a 'misty glade' this stand is made from white marble. The 2.25 ton sculpture of a dress appears to be standing by itself within the wood. Its surface is engraved with a lace pattern and makes reference both to the nearby National Museum of Costume and also the white monks of local Sweetheart Abbey.
Glentress: The Meteorite
This 6 ton Scottish marble stane contains text carved in Klingon, with the obvious implication it may not be of this world.
Newcastleton: The Border Stane
This stand stands near to the border between Scotland and England. On the north side, representing Scotland, Auld Lang Syne is inscribed and on the south side, representing England, the words of Jerusalem. The hole in the middle allows people to stand on either side of the border and shake hands or throats through the stand.
The 7stanes (Scots for stone) are seven mountain biking centres developed by the Forestry Commission spanning the south of Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. As the bike tracks were developed, the appearance of 7 mysterious stanes was discovered. Each of the stands have inscribed symbols, the mystery once deciphered reveals a well-known saying. A publication by Scottish artist Ronnie Heeps revealing the background to the sculptures is available.
In collaboration with:
Carving – Russell Coleman and Mark Powers
Client:
Forestry Commission Scotland
Photography:
Courtesy of Forestry Commission Scotland
Glentrool: The Giant Axe Head
The Glentrool area is known for its stone age past and legends of stone throwing giants in Scotland and Ireland. The Giant Axe Head - a 1.5 ton sculpture which overlooks Loch Dee - closely resembles actual neolithic stone axes and has runic text, thought to be the oldest poem in Ireland, inscribed onto its surface.
Kirroughtree: The Gem Stane
Kirroughtree’s trails are known as the 7stanes’ hidden gem, and the trails are also close to the Creetown Gem Rock Museum. This 1.75 ton stone is made from Scottish pink quartz.
Dalbeattie: The Heart Cleft Stane
It pays homage to the town’s reputation as being the heart of the granite industry in the south of Scotland. The inscription on the giant heart reveals where the granite has been exported to all over the world.
Mabie: The Ghost Stane
Situated in a 'misty glade' this stand is made from white marble. The 2.25 ton sculpture of a dress appears to be standing by itself within the wood. Its surface is engraved with a lace pattern and makes reference both to the nearby National Museum of Costume and also the white monks of local Sweetheart Abbey.
Glentress: The Meteorite
This 6 ton Scottish marble stane contains text carved in Klingon, with the obvious implication it may not be of this world.
Newcastleton: The Border Stane
This stand stands near to the border between Scotland and England. On the north side, representing Scotland, Auld Lang Syne is inscribed and on the south side, representing England, the words of Jerusalem. The hole in the middle allows people to stand on either side of the border and shake hands or throats through the stand.
© Gordon Young 1992–2024
↑ Top
© Gordon Young 1992–2024
↑ Top
