Bigman Sculpture

The Bigman sculpture will support a footbridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal

A festival will be held in Glasgow on Saturday 4th October, to celebrate a giant steel sculpture, known as the "Bigman", which will also act as a canal footbridge.

The event at Maryhill locks, at 1600 BST, will feature arts and crafts, water sports and exhibitions.

The festival will end at 2000 BST when a large drawing of "Bigman" is burned.

When complete, the 30m steel structure by sculptor Andy Scott, will double as a footbridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal at Stockingfield Junction.

Mr Scott, the man behind the Heavy Horse sculpture on the M8 and the soon to be unveiled Kelpies near Falkirk, said the new work would reflect the Maryhill's heritage.

'Proud history'

"I've worked in Maryhill for over 15 years now and know how important the canal was to the history of the area and the city of Glasgow," he said.

"The design evolved from the structural engineering of a world unique bridge to link the communities and increase use of the canal.

"The intention is that the 'Bigman' holding up the footbridge will be representational of the historic ironworks, boat-building and other industries that were found in the Maryhill area.

"I hope he becomes a symbol of the area's proud history and a beacon of hope for the future."