Found along the banks of the iconic River Ness, the artwork, a collaboration with KHBT, was an opportunity to revisit the river's social role within the fabric of the city and celebrate its distinct character.

A short walk upstream from the centre of Inverness, the Gathering Place creates a sense of place that draws your attention to the nature and character of the River Ness. The work in many ways is a monument to the social and natural heritage of the river. It is a space to celebrate the sense of place, to interact, to enjoy the theatre of the river and to perhaps see the familiar anew.

Framed on both banks the installation encircles a portion of the river along the water's edge. Echoing the shapes of the banks of the river, the simple contour of stone transitions from bench-like platform to a pier where it reaches out over the river and offers views upstream in the direction of Loch Ness and back towards the Castle, the heart of the city.

The Clashach stone was selected for its beauty and the proximity of its origin in Moray to the site which has historically made it the material of choice for many important local buildings. 

The artwork officially opened to the public in October 2021.

In collaboration with KHBT/OSA.

Contractors: Simpsons Builders

Commissioned by the City of Inverness, City Committee in 2017, funded by Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and the Inverness Common Good Fund.