Sculptures made from hay bales ‘could boost rural economy’

Art made from bales of hay by young farmers in Scotland could also boost international links and the rural economy, it has been suggested.

The sculptures, which include trains, bears and even a wedding scene, have sprung up in fields across Scotland and could take on an international dimension, according to Angus businessman Jim Millar.

Mr Millar said: “I was intrigued to see reports of the sculptures because a region in Japan does something similar.

“Niigata prefecture, which has a number of similarities with the north-east of Scotland, including premium agricultural produce, seafood and oil, has a straw sculpture festival each year.

“Now in its 10th year, the hugely popular festival sees students from an art university in Tokyo build wooden frames then cover them with straw.”

Mr Millar, a director of Fusion Whisky, which exports to Japan, was recently awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his work promoting bilateral relations between the UK and Japan.

He added: “The sculptures attract visitors from across Japan and beyond. They are also winning worldwide attention.

“With top-flight art schools in Scotland it might be worth exploring some collaborative projects with Japanese counterparts among the art and agricultural sectors.”

The suggestion was backed by Angus councillor David Fairweather who said it was an excellent idea that could potentially unlock grant funding and boost the rural economy.

The sculptures have been created to promote Scotch lamb and raise money for a children’s charity.