A PRIZE-WINNING Scots sculptor has been awarded a £45,000 commission for public art in Glasgow.

Angus-based Michael Visocchi, above right, who was the youngest artist to be elected to the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, was chosen from a field of 21 internationally renowned artists to create an artwork envisaged as a landmark and iconic focal point for the community in the Sighthill regeneration area.

Rev Jane Howitt, minister at St Rollox, where the art will go on display, and chair of the jury which selected his design said: “We shortlisted four talented artists who each contributed very high quality entries and as we began our deliberations the jury members had differing ideas of who they thought might win the commission.

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"It was really interesting to see during our discussion how those preferences changed. By the end of the day there was complete unanimity regarding the appointment of Michael Visocchi.

“The jury felt that Michael’s entry has the potential to speak to the community on many levels. We considered his proposal to be a truly unique artwork, something which has not been seen elsewhere in Scotland or indeed across the UK.

“It is a piece that brings the church outside into the community and by using various cruciform designs strongly identifies the building as a church. We believe it will become a well-loved landmark and one which will stand the test of time.”

The St Rollox congregation learned in 2014 that it would have to move out of its current church building because it stands in the way of the new road to the Sighthill regeneration area, which will include more than 800 new homes.

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The new church building, just half a mile away from the existing church, is intended to become a modern centre for worship and community use.

The artwork is part of the larger project of building the new church and all the costs will be covered under the compulsory purchase agreement with Glasgow City Council.

After learning that he has been awarded the commission, Mr Visocchi said: “I am delighted, really delighted. It is a huge honour and very exciting to take part in creating such a unique commission.”