Art trail tribute to stalwart Ewen
Tourism hero remembered with attractive sculpture
A‘Westie’sculpture on an art trail around Lochearnhead has been named after a stalwart of tourism there.
The art work - Ewen, Westies of Craggan - is named in honour of the late Ewen Cameron OBE.
His widow Anne, accompanied by their their granddaughter Lottie, unveiled the sculpture - the latest work of blacksmith and TV personality Kev Paxton on the BLiSS trail - in the grounds of St Angus Church.
The site is at the entrance to Sustrans cycle route 7 Lochearnhead, where West Highland Terriers were once bred.
The metal dog installation was commissioned by the Loch Earn Tourism Information group using an ArtRoots grant awarded by national cycle charity Sustrans.
Anne said: “My husband was a larger than life character fondly remembered to this day for many things - including starting the Lochearnhead Water Ski Club in 1955 with me skiing on the bonnet of a Morris Minor.
“He became chair of the British Water Ski Federation and a member of the Sports Council and Scottish Tourist Board.
“He was Scottish Heavyweight Champion and revived the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games where the Ewen Cameron trophy is presented to this day.
“He published a book of old Lochearnhead and local village photos, met the Queen and regularly attracted famous An Comunn singers like Kenny McRae, Calum Kennedy, Alasdair Gillies as well as Bobby MacLeod and his band, to the original Lochearnhead Hotel that we owned.
“He even appeared on ‘What’s My Line’ on television and competed in the hammer against Bill Travers who went on to star in the classic Scottish film ‘Geordie’ in which he played a character who became an Olympic champion in the event.”
Lottie added: “My dad Angus is the current president of the annual BLS Highland Games which takes place in Lochearnhead in July.
“He followed in granddad’s footsteps, providing hospitality and events in the community and he owns Lochside Cottages accommodation.
“Now at 25 years of age, I am working on a business plan and considering how I can make a business contribution and continue the Cameron tourism legacy.”
West Highland Terriers were once bred in the Craggan by Lady MacGregor of MacGregor’s sister and neighbour, The Hon Torfrida Rollo.
There are three permanent Kev Paxton sculptures on the BLiSS art trail and two at visiting sculpture locations.
Ewen, Westies of Craggan in Lochearnhead and Drover’s Bho (a metal cow) in Strathyre are linked by Sustrans NCR7.
Since collaborating with LETi on The BLiSS Art Trail, Kev Paxton has become a household name, demonstrating his skills on BBC TV’s ‘Money for Nothing’ and in a new BBC programme ‘Flipping Profit’ which will air in April.
His work will also be represented at Chelsea Flower Show this year.