The BLiSS Trail
Set within a quieter region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is the inspiring BLiSS Trail. The name comes from the initials of the participating villages, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre, and St Fillans.
Discover some or all the varied and fascinating collection of art pieces along the trail most of which are created by Scottish artists using local inspiration and recycled materials.
The Mirrored Man in the Loch
The trail has been boosted this year with the return of its most famous item - STILL, the mirrored sculpture by acclaimed artist Rob Mulholland, who lives and works in Drymen.
For years, this ethereal figure stood emerging from Loch Earn, reflecting the water, sky, and surrounding hills in a way that made him seem to vanish on misty mornings or shimmer like a ghost on still days. However, in 2020, STILL was removed when the hotel it was located outside of changed hands.
To the delight of locals and visitors, it finally returned to the loch in spring, fully restored and gleaming again. STILL's return is thanks to St Fillan’s in Bloom, who raised the money to repurchase it with the owner's blessing. When I visited to take these photographs, there were many others also getting pictures, and a search on Instagram will bring up a stack of amazing images, often at sunrise or sunset.
Nearby "Fish Out of Water" by Lynne Shroder at Achray House adds a whimsical and local wildlife charm.
Lochearnhead boasts several standout installations. At the Briar Cottages gardens, Blawn Wi the Wind, a steel thistle sculpture, captures the resilience of Scotland's national flower, while Stan the Stag stands proudly against a backdrop of Loch Earn.
"On Watch", painted by Aryshire artist Chelsea Rodger, a highland coo that is also a seat is illustrated with wildlife and flora. The sister cow'ch, Moodnight Magic is opposite the Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans.
You'll also see Ewen - Westies of Craggan, Kev Paxton's steel sculptures celebrating Scotland's beloved Westies.
Balquhidder's highlights include The Lookout, a mirrored hide between Loch Voil and Loch Doine that, on the outside, reflects its surroundings so perfectly it nearly disappears, but up-close gives you the unique perspective to see both these neighbouring lochs at the same time, thanks to the reflections. Park at Monachyle Mhor, walk through the field, and you might find a flock of sheep admiring themselves in the mirrors! Also on this stretch are The Sheiling, evoking ancient summer shelters.
Outside Balquhidder Village Hall, a red phone box has been converted into a free book and DVD exchange. Further up the road is the Halfway Totem Pole by Edward Chadfield, and just along the road at Kingshouse, there is a beautifully restored Old Victorian Signpost, a reminder of Highland journeys past.
Elsewhere on the trail, Strathyre is home to some of the most playful and community-spirited artworks, such as Drover's Bho, a metal highland cow by the NCN7 cycle path. Near The Broch Café, you'll find Thistle the Heilan' Coo, a colourful Highland cow by Wee Coo Co that's impossible not to smile at, and Ride Out Seats, a practical artwork by Jeremy Cunningham that nods to the area's cycling heritage.
You will find some other examples around the village, and in total there are over 20 installations to diiscover.
The BLiSS Trail demonstrates that public art doesn't need to be confined to a gallery. To find out more and download the trail map, visit: www.geotourist.com/tours/2040/BLiSS_trail
Article by Paul Saunders – read more at www.seelochlomond.co.uk
