A LOW-CARBON sculpture made with Scottish timber has been unveiled in Glasgow as part of a climate change summit in the city. 

The Beacon of Hope is the centrepiece of three public art installations for the COP26 event, each of which have been made using locally sourced reclaimed, recycled or sustainable materials.

Situated in the centre of Glasgow Central, the sculpture, by artist Steuart Padwick, is made from contoured layers of Scottish-grown Sitka Spruce CLT provided by BSW Group. 

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The monumental ‘Hope Sculpture’ represents a beacon of hope and positivity towards reaching global environmental milestones, located in Clyde Gateway’s beautiful woodland park at Cuningar Loop. Its long, elegant columns take their form from the brick chimney stalks that once littered the East End of Glasgow.

Steuart said: “We all need to address this new global agenda so our young can embrace a future of hope. It is very simple, why would anyone want to poison their future?”

Neil McKay, managing director of Urban Union, said: “The construction industry has an incredibly important role to play in helping to reduce the world’s carbon emissions. By using sustainable and reclaimed materials, this sculpture will serve as a striking reminder of our climate change ambitions while also providing a legacy from COP26 which can be enjoyed by the local community for decades to come.” 

The project, supported by Glasgow City Council, is part of the official COP26 legacy and will form an important part of making a difference beyond COP.

Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Action champion, said: “The monumental Hope sculpture is a powerful and much needed symbol of hope. It is a timely reminder that by taking better care of our environment we take better care of our own and our communities mental well-being.”