The Shakkin Briggie Steen, The Kemnay Steens

This stone is positioned at the top of a footpath that leads down to the Shakkin Briggie at Burnhervie, Aberdeenshire. It features a series of boats competing in the annual raft race with each boat representing one of the other Kemnay Steens. The stone is covered in swirling patterns left from 320 million years ago when it was formed from the action of water. The Cailleach can be seen carrying a basket of rocks and a giant hammer, both of which she used to shape the mountains and lochs. In her hand is a staff capable of freezing the ground as she takes her throne over winter. George Burnett of Kemnay and his parrot can be seen below, with an oat sheaf and a young sapling onboard ready for planting. Towards the back are Jock o' Bennachie and the Kemnay Fair Queen. At the front two monks and their attendants travel downstream after a visit to Fetternear with the Warrior Mother from the Mither Tap Steen not far behind. The stone is one of the Kemnay Steens, nine carved stones placed along footpaths in and around the village with the aim of encouraging people to explore the rich history, folklore and natural identity of the surrounding landscape. The stones reference local Pictish carvings and later medieval styles but they also have their own visual vocabulary; the more stones that are encountered, the more reoccurring symbols, characters and themes are noticed. Each stone tells its own story but there is also a deeper narrative hidden in the carvings, waiting to be unpicked. The designs for the artworks are the result of six months of research and engagement activity which included community events, talks and stone carving workshops. The project began in July 2019 and was led by The Kemnay Public Art Group a sub-group of Greener Kemnay; a group of local residents who support the reduction of the carbon footprint of the village. The group was asked by Aberdeenshire Council to manage a public art project using the balance remaining in the Percent for Art Fund, accumulated from previous housing developments. Additional funding was then secured from The National Lottery Community Fund.