The sculpture is one of three major art installations commissioned to revitalize the local Seaboard Villages coastal identity.
The statue replaced a previous fiberglass version that was damaged during severe storms in 2012.
The bronze figure is oriented to gaze out toward the North Sea, specifically positioned to catch the changing light of the Moray Firth.
Local volunteers and the Seaboard Community Council maintain the surrounding area as part of the Sculpture Trail initiative.
The Mermaid of the North is a 3-meter tall bronze sculpture located on the shoreline of Balintore, East Ross, Scotland. Commissioned as part of the Seaboard Sculpture Project, the statue depicts a mermaid resting on a rock overlooking the Moray Firth. It serves as the focal point of a trail celebrating the heritage of the three Seaboard villages: Balintore, Hilton, and Shandwick. The sculpture was created by artist Steve Hayward and installed in 2007. It is designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment, featuring a weathered finish typical of maritime bronze installations. Visitors can walk along the concrete promenade to access the statue directly from the beach level.
From the beach level at low tide, shooting upward to frame the mermaid against the backdrop of the Moray Firth horizon.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as high tide can partially submerge the base of the sculpture or make beach access difficult.
Combine your visit with the coastal path walk that connects the villages of Balintore, Hilton, and Shandwick.
Bring windproof clothing, as the exposed coastal location is subject to strong North Sea breezes year-round.
Attempting to climb or sit on the bronze figure, as the salt air and coastal conditions make the surface slippery and prone to oxidation.
