IT has been one of Scotland's most iconic and best loved brand images for more than a century. Now the "Famous Grouse" which has graced every label of the eponymous whisky since 1896 is set to be transformed into a massive steel sculpture at the gateway to the Highlands as Perthshire's answer to the Angel of the North.

The Edrington Group, the drinks giant that now owns the whisky first created by Perthshire grocer and wine merchant Matthew Gloag, has announced plans to build a 20ft statue of the bird in flight. The work will be its contribution to this year's celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210.

THE massive steel sculpture of a grouse at one of the main gateways to the Highlands is to be lit up at night using an innovative solar panelled system – the first project of its kind in Scotland.

The 49ft statue of the “Famous Grouse” was gifted by drinks giant the Edrington Group to the people of Perthshire to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion in 1210.

It has been erected in woodland overlooking one of Scotland’s busiest junctions, the Broxden roundabout, where the M90 and the A9 meet. It will be lit up for the first time on 29 October.