Collie & Mackenzie Monument, Sligachan, Skye

3D Model

Created by local artist Stephen Tinney, the sculpture depicts Skye born crofter John Mackenzie (seated) and Professor Norman Collie (standing). The pair are captured looking towards the Cuillin ridge ‘An Cuiltheann’. Collie was a scientist specialising in chemistry who teamed up with mountain guide Mackenzie to explore and map the Cuillin mountain range. The pair pioneered many of the routes which are still used today.

The sculpture was 17 years of planning and fundraising led by volunteers. Individuals, local businesses and relatives of both Collie and Mackenzie contributed towards the £120,000 cost. The sculpture was cast in bronze in a foundry in Ireland, transported back to Sligachan, on the Isle of Skye, and finally erected over a large rubble plinth in 2020 with relatives of both Collie and Mackenzie present.

The sculpture was recorded using photogrammetry combined with a drone and pole cam, and was produced using Reality Capture and Blender software

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