ONE of Clackmannanshire's major works of public art has been knocked down after being hit by a car on Saturday evening.

The four metre high Man in Motion, sited on the Muirside roundabout at Tullibody, was created by sculptor Andy Scott and is one of five pieces of his work on display in the county.

On Monday a man appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court in connection with the incident.

Alexander Smith (21), of The Orchard, Tullibody admitted driving dangerously and at excessive speed on the B908.

The charge alleges that Smith negotiated a mini roundabout on the wrong side of the road before taking a tight bend at a speed that caused his vehicle to leave the carriageway hitting a road sign and the statue.

Smith further pled guilty to taking and driving the vehicle without the owner's permission or insurance.

A plea of not guilty was rejected by the Crown to a charge of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. A trial has been scheduled to take place on 5 July with regard to this matter.

Not guilty pleas to charges of failing to stop after the incident and a failure to report the incident at a police station were accepted.

Mr Scott, who unveiled the welded steel structure in February 2008, told the Advertiser he was devastated to hear about the damage done to his creation.

He said, "This is a very difficult thing for me to talk about as there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that goes into building these works." He added, "If he had hit it square on he would probably be dead. From what I understand he hit the back leg, and in a sense you could say he is lucky the sculpture gave way and he is still alive.

"We build these things to be as robust as we can to withstand hurricanes and vandalism. I have never had a report of my work being vandalised which is proof we build them robustly. We are lucky nobody got killed." Mr Scott went on, "I am devastated my work has been damaged and it is something I have taken quite personally. It is a part of my portfolio I am very proud of.

"The work I have done in Clackmannanshire has been very well received and it is hurtful this has happened.

"I am hoping to get it back to my workshop and I will speak with the client, Clackmannanshire Council, about it. I will do what I can to replace it as best I can." The incident occurred on the same weekend that Mr Scott unveiled his first major piece of work to go on display in London.

A further sculpture, which will be a tribute to the emergency services, is due to be installed at Alloa's Shillinghill roundabout at the end of March. The giant hand supporting a female and child was due to be unveiled last month but the recent winter weather has led to a delay with the project.

Councillor Eddie Carrick, Clackmannanshire Council's Sustainability Portfolio Holder, has been a great admirer and champion of Mr Scott's work.

He said, "I was shocked to hear about the damage. Fortunately no-one was hurt.

"Council staff attended the scene on Saturday night and made the area safe. We will be carrying out an inspection in conjunction with Andy Scott to assess the damage and see whether a repair is possible and the cost implications of that."