A new sculpture has been revealed in Fochabers, creating a lasting legacy
from The BookBench Trail which raised more than £174,000 for charity Clan Cancer Support.
The From Page to Stage BookBench, which was one of the trail’s 41 individually designed sculptures, is now permanently on display for the public within the grounds of Bellie Parish Church, Fochabers.
More than 100 people from the local community attended a special unveiling ceremony at the Church Hall on Sunday, January 25.
The sculpture was purchased by Andreas Peter and Kris Plewicki from Urquhart who are dedicated Clan Cancer Support ambassadors, inspired by the support their friend Emma received from the charity.
Andreas and Kris have generously donated the sculpture to Bellie and Speymouth Parish Church to ensure the public have access to the artwork.
Andreas said: “We have a deep connection to Clan and we’re devoted members of Bellie Parish Church congregation, so having the sculpture in the Church grounds feels like a great way for us to honour both organisations.
“We hope this beautiful artwork offers a new place for people to meet, reflect and rest as well as bringing joy to our communities.”
Rev. Eduard Enslin, minister of Bellie and Speymouth Parish Church, added: “We are deeply grateful to Andreas and Kris, not only for their generosity, but for the heart behind this gift.
“They are valued members of our church family, and this bench is a beautiful expression of their love for this place, this community, and for those supported by ClanCancer Support. It will take its place in our church garden as a space of rest, reflection, and story — and as a quiet reminder that compassion and hope belong at the heart of our shared life.”
In partnership with Wild in Art, The BookBench Trail aimed to raise awareness of Clan which runs five support centres and additional outreach programmes across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland and generate vital funding for its services.
The project showcased 41 BookBench sculptures displayed across a public art trail measuring more than 500 miles across Clan’s geography for nine weeks during the summer of 2025.
From Page to Stage was designed by artist Gill Prendergast who has a background in large scale prop making for theatre.
The sculpture is inspired by stories which have been adapted for theatre with nine different theatrical productions featured in the artwork.
The sculpture was displayed in Union Terrace Gardens, overlooking the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen during The BookBench Trail in 2025.
All sculptures from the trail were sold at auction to raise money for Clan Cancer Support.
The organisation provides physical and emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer, with services freely available throughout the charity’s network of wellbeing centres and outreach programmes across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Fiona Fernie, Clan’s CEO added: “The BookBench Trail brought joy and colour to more than 100,000 people across our communities when the project was live last summer and it is wonderful to see that continuing in our communities today.
“We would like to thank Kris and Andreas for the continuous support they have shown Clan and for so generously ensuring this beautiful sculpture can be enjoyed by the public for many years to come.”
Clan’s Elgin centre is based at 227 High Street with the charity operating additional outreaches at Fleming Hospital Health Services Hub, Aberlour; Moray Coast Medical Practice, Lossiemouth and the Masonic Lodge in Forres.
For more information about Clan Cancer Support please visit: https://www.clancancersupport.org
Image details - L-R: Andreas Peter, Rev. Eduard Enslin, Fiona Fernie and Kris Plewicki.
