Maybole's new Mercat Cross!
Maybole
ROBERT THE BRUCE TRAIL IN NORTH CARRICK COMES TO LIFE!
The outdoor trail and app to commemorate the 750th anniversary of King Robert the Bruce’s birth at Turnberry, North Carrick is set to launch on St. Andrews Day 2024! This connection between two famous Scottish figures is fitting since Robert the Bruce was on the throne in 1320, when, with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, St Andrew officially became Scotland's patron saint. The trail invites locals and visitors to this part of South Ayrshire to discover nine pieces of outdoor art using the Bruce’s Web app with fun augmented reality elements and gaming challenges! Trail-goers should visit www.northcarrick.com/bruces-web/ to download the app and plan their visit!
Robert the Bruce was believed to have been born at Turnberry Castle and spent much of his life in the North Carrick area of South Ayrshire which includes the towns and villages of Turnberry, Maybole, Minishant, Dunure, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Crosshill, Kirkmichael and Straiton.
The villages where the trail is located form a web like shape - hence “Bruce’s Web Interactive Arts Trail”.
The creation of the Bruce’s Web eight village sculptures and Bruce’s Web mobile app was commissioned by North Carrick Community Benefit Company and awarded to CRAG Community Arts SCIO led by Girvan based artist David Powell. As trail-goers make their way around each location, they will seek out outdoor art which includes fun sculptures such as a giant spider and a war horse. Each piece of art carries a unique QR code for users to scan via the app, creating augmented reality imagery in the setting where they stand. The free and family friendly app also tells of Bruce’s historical links with each location and features a fun ‘Quest For The Crown’ game suitable for all ages.
North Carrick is also home to many rural businesses including independent retailers, artists and makers, eateries, a range of accommodation providers and unique suppliers. Whilst out and about, app users are encouraged to visit the local businesses listed where they can scan posters to collect virtual badges, uncover selected discounts and pick up free brochures and stickers. The app also links to popular walking and cycling routes in the area.
Artist David Powell, renowned for his work in willow and steel, including popular sculptures at Culzean Country Park, Rozelle Park and Eglinton Park led the project with a project team including Ross Graham (Artoryx – app design), Jacqueline Ross (clever river – copywriting and business engagement) and Mary Jean Govan (CRAG Community Arts – community engagement). The process began with an important period of community engagement. CRAG worked with schools and youth groups in the area inspiring the children with their local history and encouraging them to create models of what they would like to see in their village. Each community was then asked to vote for their favourite. The chosen models were then worked up into the finished designs - hand bent, cut and welded into unique artworks over a 4-month period. Each piece offering a challenge in technique and execution. All the eight village pieces have been created by artist David Powell with David commissioning Morells Forge in Maidens to produce the ‘Twa Aixes’ and Jamiesons Welding in Girvan to fabricate the three corten steel forms.
David Powell told us:
‘‘It has been a long journey, one full of twists and turns, but the pieces have now been positioned for the New Bruce’s Web trail. From ‘Ettercaps’ tae ‘Coos’ the sculptures stand celebrating the birth of Bruce, Earl of Carrick and King of the Scots. Follow in the footsteps of Bruce and uncover and discover the rolling landscape of Carrick from shore and cliff to hill and forest... From The Landing at the Maidens to the ‘Twa Aixes’ at Straiton the eight new artworks are now sitting in their new homes. There has been a lot of firsts on this project which gave the CRAG Community Arts Project Team the chance to engage and work with local communities and talented local artist artisans and makers to produce the works which will from the new trail. With the artworks being crafted to last 25 years, the trail is set to be enjoyed by locals, visitors and tourists
alike.’’
The art pieces in each location relevant to Robert the Bruce’s life and legacy are as follows -
Turnberry – Sea Gate (The Birth)
Dunure – The Fish & Fire (The Feeding)
Kirkoswald – Droplets (The Baptism)
Maidens – The Birlinn Prow (The Landing)
Straiton – Twa Aixes (The Camp)
Crosshill – Whitebred Shorthorn Cow (The Grazing)
Kirkmichael – Spider (Ettercap)
Minishant – War Horse (Cogaidh)
Maybole – Mercat Cross Pillar (Lion of Carrick)
Mark Fletcher, Chair of North Carrick Community Benefit Company said of the project:
‘’North Carrick Community Benefit Company are thrilled to see the completion of Bruce’s Web which is the final element of the last 2 years’ celebrations for one of Scotland’s greatest Kings. We believe we are the first trail in Ayrshire to offer an augmented reality element that really brings to life the rich history of our area and shines a spotlight on Robert the Bruce through the combination of art and digital technology.
Special thanks go to the young people of the area for their enthusiastic engagement and visions for the project. Connecting all the communities of North Carrick with this web of sculptures will not only appeal to locals but also visitors and keep people engaged with this wonderful place that we call home.’’
At the heart of the trail is the ancient Capital of Carrick, Maybole – with a special centrepiece to Bruce’s Web comprising of a Mercat Cross with a ‘Lion of Carrick’ sculpture on top. ‘The Lion of Carrick’ was a nickname given to Robert the Bruce. The piece has been created by Turnberry based artist John McKenna, renowned for large-scale public art projects from intricate cast bronzes to the colossal stainless-steel Shipbuilders at Port
Glasgow. The new Mercat Cross commissioned by Maybole Community Council will also boast a pillar and commemorative plaques with the plaques telling the story of the town. The sculpture is designed to show the pride that the people of Maybole have in playing such an important part in the story of one of Scotland’s greatest kings.
Artist John McKenna said:
“I was thrilled when asked by Maybole Community Council and NCCBC to create a Mercat Cross and have enjoyed making it for them, producing the pillar and the historical plaques that adorn it.
For the two decades that I have lived here in the Carrick area I have wanted to create a sculpture tribute to Robert the Bruce, who was born at Turnberry, the area I call home. The Mercat Cross, finished with my top finial of Robert the Bruce, Lion of Carrick, crowns the project for me and gives Maybole a unique centrepiece.”
The Mercat Cross ‘Lion of Carrick’ will be unveiled on St Andrews Day Saturday 30 November 2024 declaring the Bruce’s Web trail officially open.
Visitors are encouraged to make their way round some or all the other villages to complete the trail.
Visit www.northcarrick.com/bruces-web/ to plan your visit and to download the app for both iOS and Android.
Bruce's Web Arts and Augmented Reality Trail coming together!
LIVE TRIBUTE NIGHTS IN MAYBOLE!
Introducing - MAYBOLE MUSIC NIGHTS! 
Join us for 4 fun filled LIVE Tribute nights, while supporting 4 local good causes!
These events are brought to you by Maybole Community Projects Funding, made possible by NCCBC'S Community Projects Funding.
Contact Maybole Pipe Band, Carrick Round Table, Girlguiding Carrick District and Carrick History Society for tickets!
Bruce 750 Celebrations!
We can't believe it's nearly time for Bruce 750 
Not to be missed! See you at Glebe Park tomorrow!
https://www.facebook.com/share/TFfqCCTwCPTcWLhm/
Skatepark opening 19th July!
We are pleased to share the news of the official opening of the Skatepark in Maybole on Friday 19th July at 2pm from Thriving Communities. The team have arranged some other activities on the day to include some graffiti workshops funded by Maybole Community council and some refreshments donated by MCC, Thriving Communities and North Carrick Youth Voice group. It will be a great opportunity to celebrate the completion of this project and we look forward to seeing you on the day.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Yvonne Kiltie at CLD.
NCCBC were a significant funder of the new skatepark, which was made possible by Maybole Community Council and SAC.
MAYBOLE NEEDS YOUR VIEWS!
Maybole Community Council are developing a community-led action plan for Maybole and need your responses to make this exercise a true reflection of what’s going on in Maybole, with your concerns and aspirations.
The community action plan will develop a list of priorities for the town- thinking about the physical elements of Maybole: its buildings, spaces, and transport links, but also the social aspects: sense of community, identity and participation. In collaboration with South Ayrshire Council, NCCBC and other partners, the plans will then provide a series of actions that the community, the Council and other partners can work together in delivering.
To share your views online, you can either scan the QR code or follow this link https://forms.office.com/e/aUSeaBRbhy.
If you would like a paper copy of the survey you can collect and return from one of these locations:
📌Maybole Library
📌Maybole Leisure Centre
📌Maybole Dental Practice
📌NCCBC offices opposite the old pool
Questionnaires can also be posted through the door.
If you would like more information or for any queries, please get in touch by any member of the community council or sending an email to Audrey.gatt@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Please share and keep in mind comments made on Facebook will not be put into the survey, we ask you to fill out the form.
Join us in Maybole on 13th July!
The Gatherings
North Carrick Communities Arts Trail
CRAG Community Arts SCIO have been awarded the contract to deliver the North Carrick Communities Arts Trail, with Bruce 750 themed sculptures across Bruce’s Web, a project commissioned by NCCBC. The trail which will consist of nine sculptures with augmented reality content will traverse North Carrick travelling from Turnberry in the south, to Dunure in the North, and east to Straiton. Alongside the trail, visitors to the trail will download a phone app with augmented reality elements including a game play element; where you can experience Bruce weaving his way across Carrick once more.
With the Maybole sculpture already under construction, the remaining eight sculptures will be designed through a consultation process with each of the North Carrick communities.
This process has already started with CRAG artist David Powell - known for his Culzean and Rozelle steel and willow sculptures - visiting each of the six primary schools to discuss the Bruce 750 project while providing an insight to his own work practice as an artist.
The project is designed to celebrate the 750th Anniversary of the birth of King Robert the Bruce; as well as the communities in which the work will be sited. Young artists from each school are working in groups or individually to produce their own designs of a potential sculpture inspired by historical events and items associated with the Bruce, or their community. The artwork could well be modern or traditional in form. The new pieces will have an expected lifespan of 25 years; causing some excitement amongst the children! “I will be 35!”- piped up one the children at a school assembly; this will be a legacy of the Bruce 750 project that the children can pass down to the next generation and perhaps beyond!
With the CRAG Arts team are working with each of the schools to assist them in the initial design process; researching ideas and then producing 2D and 3D concepts from February to March. This is an exciting opportunity for our young folk to take part in a project that will enhance the experience both residents and visitors coming to our area; allowing them to follow in the footsteps of the Bruce and learn more about our community in the 21st century.
At the end of the ongoing design process period the community consultation will be held; this when locals can decide which design they would like to be made into a finished work. And that is the exciting bit - for at the moment no one knows what the work will be, or what our budding young artists will produce! How big? How small? What will they be made of? Just some of the questions that folk are asking; but as our young artists will be busy designing over the next few weeks - the answer can only be - Who knows?
Likewise, the augmented reality content will be determined by the sculpture designs with AR providing locals and visitor alike with the opportunity to experience Bruce in a way not yet experienced! With the design team building in gameplay for the phone app; weaving history and technology together into a unique North Carrick experience!
The proposed dates for community consultations to be held in community halls and spaces is 23rd - 24th of March so keep an eye open for updates on the project via our social media and that of NCCBC (@Improving North Carrick)
These dates are you chance to have a say on the sculpture in your community!
This project has been made possible with funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and NCCBC.
For further info on the project please contact David at cragarts@btinternet.com
An image of David at his workshop:
Some of the kids' ideas below!
