A new steel statue in Kingussie is bringing the story of one of Scotland’s most destructive historical figures back to life, nearly six centuries after his death.
Alexander Stewart, descendant of Scots king Robert the Bruce, was notorious for his violent rampage across Moray and the Highlands in the late 14th century.
Known as “The Wolf of Badenoch,” Stewart’s reign of terror included burning down religious sites, plundering abbeys, and committing a series of murderous land-grabs.
It’s hoped the new artwork, standing beside a former church which is now a community centre, will become a tourist attraction.
Late Kingussie businessman Bobby Nield came up with the idea almost 30 years ago to mark the earl’s place in history after being inspired by sculptor Helen Denerley’s display of metal wolves at a local arts festival.
STV NewsHelen, who built the statue, has produced a plethora of weird and wonderful creatures, including birds and giant spiders.
Speaking about her latest creation, she said: “There’s a lot of plough metal in there and there’s some wishbones. And the front legs have got a really enormous mole-wrench that’s been cut in half.
“And then there’s scaffolding clips and there’s a little bit of bicycle wheel, and the tail is made of hems that you have had around a leather collar, the yoke of a Clydesdale.”
Bobby’s vision was for the new statue to form part of a trail leading to Kingussie,, telling the story of Stewart’s exploits.
The Wolf burned down Elgin Cathedral, plundered Pluscarden Abbey and launched attacks from his bases at Lochindorb, Loch an Eilein and Ruthven Castle.
Stewart himself was granted the honour of being entombed in marble at Dunkeld Cathedral.
Bobby’s widow Shirley Nield said: “Most local people didn’t know the story and, certainly, visitors coming here didn’t know the story, so that was really his aim to get the story told.
“There were so many legends and so on about him playing chess with the Devil and being frazzled by whatever it was, lightning, really to tell the true story behind it all and get people to come to Kingussie to see Helen’s wonderful statue.”
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