Three New Virtues For Inverness To Be Carved In Caithness Stone

5th February 2007

Faith Hope and Charity were virtues associated with the Victorian age and for many years a sculpture of the virtues was prominently displayed in Inverness. Now Inverness City Partnership want the public to have their say on three contemporary virtues that can carry the city forward into the 21st century.

The three virtues chosen will be carved into Caithness stone as part of a new installation to feature in the Old Town Streetscape Project on Church Street. A public unveiling will be scheduled for later this year.

Partnership artist Matt Baker had been consulting various groups - such as Highland Youth Forum, the churches and even rounding up some present-day philosophers - to talk about contemporary ideas about society's values.

He is inviting the public to text their thoughts to 07794-990-135 between tomorrow (Wednesday 7 February) and 28 February and these will be featured on the City Partnership's website www.citypartnership.org.uk. Those people whose ideas are featured will be entered into a mystery prize draw.

Matt Baker said: "Inverness is a wonderfully exciting place to be now. There is a sense of expectation about what kind of city it can transform itself into. Faith, Hope and Charity were virtues associated with the Victorian era and we want to ask people for their thoughts about today's values."

Marie Mackintosh, city partnership officer, said: "Inverness' old town is changing. Road signs and diggers give a clear signal that work has started to revitalise the city centre. Over the next few months, the public will see improved road and pavement surfaces and new lighting. And various arts projects will be at the heart of this process too. Making this process fun and inclusive is important to the City Partnership. Like ~Imagining the Centre~, the arts event we commissioned for Church Street in September of last year, we want to excite and involve the public in what's being designed for the old town."

Some diverse ideas have already been suggested including honesty, trust and connection. The project wants to hear anyone's suggested words that can capture Inverness' present-day profile and sum up what is truly special about being part of the community here.