This magnificent artwork was conceived at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A national lockdown had been imposed in an attempt to arrest the rapid spread of a new deadly virus and during this time a single painted stone was placed at the seafront.
A further 1460 stones were laid in a long colourful line in the following months. This became known as the Carnoustie Caterpillar.
It represented a spontaneous show of mutual support with the entire community coming together to share their experiences of living through such difficult times. Later that year, as some of the artwork on the stones began to fade, it was decided that it was time for a metamorphosis. The Carnoustie Caterpillar was going to become the Carnoustie Butterfly.
The stones were removed, restored and set in acrylic resin in the shape of the Small Blue Butterfly. The result was a dramatic and colourful addition to the Carnoustie seafront.
It is a lasting tribute to the Carnoustie community’s resilience in the face of a global pandemic. It represents a symbol of hope and recovery for everyone.
Click here to read more about the Carnoustie Butterfly
