Irony alert

This thing, sticking so elegantly out into the Ness, attracts strong opinions. It is also the centre of a a public art scheme attracting £758,350 of other people's money.

The artists think it "re-connects the city with the river, drawing out its stories, engendering a sense of place and creating access to the river.”

Apparently it's "an opportunity to revisit the river's social role within the fabric of the city and celebrate its distinct character". It "creates a sense of place that draws your attention to the nature and character of the River Ness. Framed on both banks, Clashach stone encircles a portion of the river along the water's edge."

And it's "a minimal gesture that enhances the notion of the river being the main actor whilst creating a tangible connection between the spectators from both embankments.” The then Provost said it provided hope for the future.

Me, I see a truncated bit of railway architecture, with as much elegance as a concrete doorstep. I see an unspoiled river scene vandalised. And I hear the art world's ability to talk utter pish.under pressure.