North artist Loz Atkinson joins Edinburgh's jungle

Loz Atkinson with the piece she will be exhibiting in Edinburgh.

A HIGHLAND artist with Caithness roots will be showcasing her work at one of the world’s largest outdoor exhibitions this summer.

Loz Atkinson, who was born in Inverness but whose father and grandparents come from Thurso, will be exhibiting a hornbill bird at the World’s first multi-animal outdoor exhibition at the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

Jungle City is being run by animal welfare charity Elephant Family, which plans for elephants, crocodiles, orangutans, tigers and exotic birds to take to the streets of Edinburgh.

Creatures have been especially designed by famous artists and celebrities including Jack Vettriano, motor-racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart and former spice girl Geri Halliwell.

The aim of the exhibition is to raise £1 million to protect some of the world’s most endangered species.

Atkinson said the exhibition will transform the capital city into a wild jungle.

“It is planned to exhibit these works on the streets, in parks, on traffic lights and hanging from lampposts,” she said. “It promises to be an exhibition which engages the public and pushes forward the charity’s cause.

“My piece is called One for the rock, one for the crow one, for the die and one to grow. It is an old gardening saying meaning people sew more seeds than they need to.

“There is a seedling that is hidden under the hornbill’s tail to highlight hope against the danger the species face from extinction.

“I am very environmental minded myself, so Jungle City is a project which I am excited to be involved with. We have a responsibility to look after the planet and this exhibition will help highlight that.”

The 26-year-old has lived across the Highlands as her father worked in the RAF, but her grandparents, Patricia and Tom Atkinson, still live in Thurso.

She visits Caithness on a regular basis and has even used the Duncansby Stacks as inspiration for one of her works.

More information about the exhibition can be found at www.jungle-city.org