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Novelist Robin Jenkins honoured
08/10/2007
A sculpture commemorating the novelist Robin Jenkins was unveiled today as part of the Cowalfest 2007 festival.
Speaking beside the statue at Benmore Botanic Garden, Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"It gives me great pleasure to officially unveil the sculpture which commemorates the life and work of Scottish novelist Robin Jenkins, who spent much of his life in Cowal Peninsula.
"The sculpture itself, a large open book on a pine cone, is a direct reference to one of his best known novels 'The Cone Gatherers'. It is particularly fitting it be located here in Benmore Botanic Garden, given his work in forestry in Argyll as a conscientious objector during World War Two.
"Benmore has a world-renowned reputation for its magnificent collection of conifers and rhododendrons, and I am sure the sculpture will add to the enjoyment of visitors to the gardens. It also pays tribute to a writer who celebrated the natural world and who was probably one of Scotland's greatest 20th century novelists.
"Promoting Scotland's people and landscapes, by commemorating and encouraging those whose creativity is inspired by Scotland's people and Scotland's landscape is a key priority for the Scottish Government."
The Robin Jenkins sculpture, carved by Nigel Ross from a single piece of sequoia, has been funded by Forestry Commission Scotland, the Botanic Gardens, Younger Benmore Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Argyll and Bute Council and Cowalfest.
Robin Jenkins produced more than 30 novels in his lifetime. He was directed to work for the Forestry Commission during war service and his experience of forestry work in Argyll 1940-1946 is reflected in his first novel 'So Gaily Sings the Lark', the better-known 'The Cone-Gatherers' and at least one more of his books.
Cowalfest started the Robin Jenkins memorial lecture in 2005, which was the year of Jenkins death. The first lecture was given by Michael Russell and was subsequently published with the assistance of the Forestry Commission.
Cowalfest runs from Friday 5 to Sunday 14 October at locations and venues across the Cowal Peninsula. More than 75 walks combined with drama, music, films, art, poetry, cycling, astronomy and wildlife make this the largest festival of its kind in Scotland.