THREE wooden carvings representing three key aspects of Alva Glen have been unveiled this month.

The carvings by artist Peter Bowsher, also known as Chainsaw Pete, were unveiled on Friday, December 3, for the Alva Glen Sculpture Trail.

They represent three key aspects of the beauty spot: nature, community and heritage – explained Alva Glen Heritage Trust which commissioned the carvings.

Funded by the EDF Burnfoot Wind Farm Community Fund, the three carvings were unveiled at a well-attended event with some 60 young pupils and educators from Alva PS, a dozen or so students from Alva Academy Autism Spectrum group, trust volunteers and dignitaries going along.

The first carving is a northern brown argus butterfly on a rock rose, which was adopted by the academy ASD group where student Anna named it Shimmer Fly.

The group also provided a beautiful veil and decorated the area around the carving with Anna and Jack lifting the veil.

A bear to commemorate the popular Alva Glen Bear Hunt, organised by Leigh Richardson in January – February 2021 during lockdown, was unveiled second.

It was named Gentle Glen by Alva Primary School, who adopted the carving and provided a decorated veil, also doing the honours on the day.

The third carving, a neolithic man, is a second edition and a replacement for the earlier 2009 carving.

He was named Alvor the Second, succeeding the original carving named Euan Craig.

The carving was unveiled by long-serving and dedicated Alva Glen volunteers Christina Murray and Andy Paterson, each helped by a young grandchild.

The sun fortunately shone for the event, where everyone was welcomed by trustee Grace Critchlow.

Guest speakers included Cllr Donald Balsillie as well as Lawrence Hunter, head of environment, energy and sustainability at Clacks Council.

Alva Glen Heritage Trust issued a nod of thanks to the glen volunteers who maintain and enhance the area all year, rain or shine.

Thanks also went to The Conservation Volunteers EPIC project, Cllr Balsillie, Lawrence Hunter, Clacks Council Countryside Rangers, EDF Renewables as well as both the primary school and academy for help and support.

The trust hopes visitors to the glen will enjoy discovering the carvings for many years to come.