Clan Cancer Support has announced Freeland Freight as logistics partner for its upcoming art trail, with the 41 large BookBench sculptures due to go on public display across the north of Scotland later this month.
The leading north-east cancer charity, in partnership with Wild in Art, will exhibit the artwork across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland as part of The BookBench Trail sponsored by Bilfinger and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
Freeland Freight will support Clan with the transportation and installation of the BookBench sculptures in outdoor public locations spread across a trail measuring approximately 500 miles from Stonehaven to Shetland this summer.
The charity has allowed one week for the entire installation process with sculptures due to start appearing in public locations from Monday June 23 and the trail expected to be completely live by Monday, June 30.
Fiona Fernie, Clan’s CEO, said: “The BookBench Trail covers a vast geographical area and coordinating the transportation and installation of these beautiful sculptures is a highly complex procedure, so we’re incredibly grateful to have Freeland Freight onboard.
“The expertise and local knowledge within the organisation are invaluable to the project and the team will play a crucial role in helping bring this wonderful creative vision to life across our communities this summer.”
Phil Sutherland, Director at Freeland Freight, said: “We’re proud to support Clan and play a role in delivering The Book Bench Trail across the region. Our team understands the logistical challenges of a project like this, and we’re delighted to help bring such an inspiring initiative to communities across the north-east. It’s a privilege to contribute to something that will not only showcase creativity but also support people and their families impacted by cancer.”
Fiona Fernie, CEO of Clan Cancer Support Phil Sutherland, Director of Freeland Freight Angus McGuigan (aged 6), Broomhill Primary Pupil Bella Obi (aged 10), Broomhill Primary Pupil
As part of the partnership, Freeland Freight has secured one large BookBench sculpture in the main trail and one mini BookBench sculpture in the Tiny Tales trail which will showcase designs from local schools and selected artists across indoor public venues.
Sponsorship from Freeland Freight enabled pupils from Broomhill Primary School in Aberdeen to create their own mini BookBench design which is called The Doodle Bench: A Celebration of Creativity.
The sculpture design is inspired by Liz Pichon, the author of Tom Gates, who is known for her fun, imaginative and creative doodles.
Primary one pupil Angus McGuigan (aged 6) and Primary 7 pupil Bella Obi (aged 10) had the opportunity to add their own unique doodle to the design.
Bella Obi said: “We planned the design for a few weeks and then we all had fun making it, we made little monsters which you can see on the bench. I enjoyed taking part in the design process and I’m looking forward to seeing it on the trail in few weeks’ time.”
Angus McGuigan added: “I drew a rainbow cat on the bench. I’m looking forward to seeing it in Aberdeen when the trail goes live.”
Clan chose the BookBench sculpture, which depicts an open book, because of its lifeline listening support service which enables anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to open up and tell their story.
The charity hopes the sculpture, which is 1.4 metres wide and can seat two adults, will encourage people to take time to reflect on their wellbeing as they enjoy discovering artwork on the trail when its live from June 30 until August 25 this year.
For more information, please visit: https://www.clancancersupport.org/the-book-bench-trail/