Ex-servicemen and women who would like to re-focus their skills and try their hand at sculpting, are being recruited to make works of art for healthcare settings across Forth Valley.

In what’s known as the Workshop Project, they are being invited to work with sculptor Susheila Jamieson to enhance spaces in a meaningful and permanent way. The scheme will run through the first half of 2016 and is being funded through the Community Covenant Grant Scheme and NHS Forth Valley.

Up to ten volunteers are needed and the veterans will explore the University of Stirling art and sculpture collection to learn about manual and physical fabrication processes such as stone carving and 3D printing. Susheila will help them with design and it’s hoped to involve local school pupils to provide a creative technology element.

Artlink Central Director Kevin Harrison said: “This is our first creative programme with veterans as a focus, an issue that has been highlighted by NHS Forth Valley and the Community Covenant. We will be working with other organisations involved in supporting veterans to help take this forward and are keen to hear from any groups for individuals who are interested in taking part.”

Miss Tracey Gillies, NHS Forth Valley’s Medical Director and Lead for Veterans, added: “This exciting new initiative aims to harness the experience of local veterans to create new artwork which can then be enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff across Forth Valley.”

“It will also give those taking part an opportunity to develop new skills, build new social networks and take part in something which will have a lasting impact.”

Anyone interested in taking part or finding out more about the Workshop Project should contact Sarah Pearson at Artlink Central on 01786 450971 or email sarah@artlinkcentral.org by the end of January 2016. The aim is to have the artworks installed in Summer 2016.