The Collie-Mackenzie Sculpture Group, a Sconser-based community organisation, has won permission to build a bronze statute of Professor Norman Collie and John Mackenzie, both of whom were closely associated with the early days of Cuillin climbing.

The scheme, which has the overwhelming support of the community, is unusual in that it grew from an initial idea and enthusiasm in a small town, rather than being led by public bodies or Government agencies.

Prof Collie began his climbing career in Skye, later making first ascents in the Alps and Caucasus and climbing with a British expedition in the Himalayas.

In 1897, he joined the Appalachian Club for a summer of climbing in the Canadian Rockies.

By this time he was a professor of chemistry as well as one of the most highly-regarded British mountaineers, with extensive experience in the Alps and the Himalaya.

John MacKenzie, known locally as "Morton", was from Sconser and, as a guide in the Cuillins, struck up a lifelong friendship with Prof Collie.

They are buried side by side in the old cemetery at Struan on the west side of the island.

The sculpture has been designed by a local artist and clay models have been exhibited at public meetings in the area.

The proposals have been widely admired and welcomed by the community and the families of both Mackenzie and Collie. The 1.5 times life-size sculpture will be built on a hillock near the beginning of the footpath leading into Glen Sligachan and the Cuillin. As such, it will sit about 75 yards to the south-east of the old bridge at Sligachan.