St Fillans in Bloom proudly marked a significant milestone this weekend with a special launch event celebrating the return of the beloved STILL sculpture to Loch Earn.
The event, held on Saturday 3rd May on the shore of Loch Earn in St Fillans, welcomed a host of special guests and supporters. The proceedings were opened and closed by local resident and Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, Barry Fisher, who set a celebratory tone for the day.
Among the guest speakers was Jim Fairlie MSP, who said:
"STILL is absolutely iconic – it’s something I automatically associate with St Fillans. I was thrilled to hear it would be making a comeback to the shores of Loch Earn. It has been sorely missed by the local community and visitors alike since its removal in 2017. I am delighted to see this beautiful sculpture back where it belongs, and I have my fingers crossed for many fine days ahead for everyone to enjoy it."
Also attending was Pete Wishart MP, who commented:
"I am delighted to see STILL standing proudly once again in the stunning setting of Loch Earn. I know my constituents in St Fillans have been rejoicing at the return of their most iconic resident, whose presence will no doubt provide a fantastic boost to local tourism. It has been a real pleasure to join in the celebrations."
Also addressing the audience was Kim Proven, who led a team of Loch Earn tourism businesses to win a Scottish Thistle Award for the creation of the BLiSS Trail – an eclectic collection of art and architectural installations that link the villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre, and St Fillans. STILL is an important addition at Point 24 on the trail, which can be explored year-round using an audio trail-finding app. Rob Mulholland, the internationally renowned sculptor behind STILL, also shared insights into the artwork's creation and meaning, and acknowledged local businessman Andrew Low who was instrumental in the sculpture’s original commission and subsequent return.
Audrey Gavigan, Treasurer of St Fillans in Bloom, said:
"The return of STILL is a moment of immense pride for our community. This project symbolises everything that St Fillans in Bloom stands for – celebrating our environment, enhancing our village, and bringing people together. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Seeing STILL back in Loch Earn, shimmering against the landscape, is truly special."
Following the launch event, guests enjoyed refreshments at Sandison Hall, where the celebrations continued.
The return of STILL has been made possible through the hard work of St Fillans in Bloom volunteers, the wider community, and the invaluable support of funders including Perth & Kinross Council, the Scottish Government’s Islands and Rural Communities Fund, Thomson Charitable Trust, ArtRoots (Sustrans), Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust, and the Arnold Clark Foundation. St Fillans in Bloom also acknowledges the ongoing support of the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association, whose project management and fundraising expertise has been critical to the sculpture’s return.
The STILL sculpture, originally installed in 2014, continues to capture imaginations with its haunting, reflective presence, symbolising the connection between humanity and the natural world. Its reinstallation ensures that this powerful work of art can once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.
About St Fillans in Bloom
St Fillans in Bloom is a volunteer group dedicated to enhancing the environment in and around the village of St Fillans for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors. The group is affiliated with the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association, the umbrella organisation supporting 48 local volunteer groups across Perth and Kinross.
The objectives of St Fillans in Bloom are to:
- Improve the quality of the local environment through horticultural activity, environmental responsibility, and community engagement;
- Support the local economy by enhancing village amenities and facilities;
- Foster community initiatives and social causes through fundraising and charitable work; and
- Promote environmental education.
The group maintains floral displays throughout the village and along the shores of Loch Earn and is involved in a wide range of environmental projects year-round.
About Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association
Take a Pride in Perth & Kinross Association (TPPKA) supports local volunteer "Bloom" groups to protect, enhance, and promote their local natural, cultural, horticultural, and built environments. The charity promotes sustainable community-led projects, environmental education, and local pride. Since 1998, TPPKA has helped raise over £2 million to enable communities to deliver transformative local projects.
Location of the STILL Sculpture
Visitors can experience STILL as part of the BLiSS Trail, a collection of public art installations through Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre, and St Fillans. Find STILL here:
- BLiSS Trail Link: https://www.geotourist.com/tours/2040/BLiSS_trail/point/23226/STILL_by_Rob_Mulholland
- What3Words location: times.blurts.acrobats
- Postcode: PH6 2NF
For further information, please contact:
Charlie Hardman
Project Development Advisor
Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association
Mobile: 07846 424505
Email: charlie@nickisouterassociates.co.uk
