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The Mermaid of the North: Balintore's Enchanting Coastal Sculpture

Discover Balintore’s iconic 10-foot bronze mermaid, a captivating coastal sculpture steeped in local legend and maritime heritage.

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The Mermaid of the North is a striking 10-foot bronze statue perched on the black rock 'Clach Dubh' in Balintore, Scotland. Created by Steve Hayward in 2007 and recast in bronze in 2014 after storm damage, this sculpture celebrates local folklore of a mermaid who escaped captivity to return to the sea. Part of the Seaboard Sculpture Trail, it draws visitors with its scenic coastal setting and rich cultural story.

A brief summary to Mermaid of the North

  • East St, Tain, Balintore, IV20 1UA, GB
  • +441862832888
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit at low tide to get closer to the mermaid statue and explore the rocky shore.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Seaboard Sculpture Trail to see other sea-themed artworks.
  • Bring a camera for stunning coastal photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
  • Check the weather and dress warmly; coastal conditions can be windy and cool even in summer.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Tain town center, the Seaboard Centre car park is approximately a 10-minute drive along the A9 and local roads. Ample parking is available, but spaces can fill during peak tourist season. No parking fees apply.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Tain to Balintore several times daily, with a journey time of about 20-30 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a 5-minute walk to the Seaboard Centre and the start of the sculpture trail. Check local timetables for seasonal schedules.

  • Walking

    For those staying in Balintore village, a scenic 5- to 10-minute walk along paved paths leads to the Seaboard Centre and the Mermaid of the North. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for most walkers.

Mermaid of the North location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies

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Discover more about Mermaid of the North

Origins Rooted in Local Legend

The Mermaid of the North statue is inspired by a poignant Easter Ross folklore tale. According to legend, a fisherman once captured a beautiful mermaid, hiding her tail to keep her from returning to the sea. After bearing his children, she eventually found her tail and escaped back to the ocean, yet she returns regularly to the shore to bring fish to her children. This evocative story is immortalized in the sculpture, symbolizing themes of love, loss, and freedom.

Artistic Creation and Evolution

Sculpted by Steve Hayward in 2007 during the Highland Year of Culture, the original 10-foot statue was crafted from bronzed wood and resin. Positioned atop the black rock known as 'Clach Dubh'—Gaelic for 'black rock'—the mermaid’s tail is submerged at high tide, integrating the sculpture with the natural tidal rhythms of the Moray Firth coast. In 2012, severe storms badly damaged the wooden statue, leading to its replacement in 2014 by a permanent bronze cast, funded by a community grant. The bronze statue’s weathered patina adds character and endurance to this coastal icon.

Setting and Surrounding Sculpture Trail

Located in the small Seaboard village of Balintore, the mermaid sits on the rocky shoreline, part of a broader Seaboard Sculpture Trail. This trail features other sea-themed artworks, including giant salmon sculptures and slate monuments, celebrating the area's fishing heritage and maritime culture. The trail offers a scenic, accessible walk from the nearby Seaboard Centre car park, making the mermaid a focal point for visitors exploring the coastal landscape.

Community Significance and Tourism

The Mermaid of the North is cherished by locals and visitors alike, serving as a cultural landmark and a magnet for tourism in this quiet coastal village. It enriches the community’s identity and supports local businesses by drawing tourists traveling the North Coast 500 route. The sculpture’s integration with natural tides and its evocative story create a memorable experience, blending art, folklore, and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Visual Appeal and Visitor Experience

Standing 10 feet tall, the mermaid’s bronze form contrasts beautifully with the dark rock and the ever-changing sea backdrop. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the opportunity for photography, and the chance to reflect on the folklore while enjoying panoramic views of the Moray Firth. The site offers picnic spots and nearby amenities at the Seaboard Centre, enhancing the visitor experience.

Preservation and Cultural Legacy

The transition from wood to bronze ensured the mermaid's resilience against harsh coastal weather, preserving this emblematic sculpture for future generations. It remains a testament to local artistry, cultural heritage, and the enduring power of myth in shaping community identity along Scotland’s scenic east coast.

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