In early summer 2004, the group held a public meeting in Sligachan Hotel to gauge opinion about their proposals for a sculpture to celebrate Norman Collie and John Mackenzie. Feedback was extremely positive from the local community and they were given the unanimous endorsement of those present.

On Wednesday 24th November 2004 a second meeting was held at Sligachan Hotel, this time to inform representatives from a wide range of public agencies and community groups. Among those represented were,The John Muir Trust, representatives from relevant departments within Highland Council,including planning, a local coucillor, The Mountaineering council of Scotland, Skye Mountain Rescue Team, Scottish Natural Heritage, Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise, Scottish Executive Trunk Roads and the Police. The purpose of this meeting was to air and discuss issues which might arise as a result of this proposal.Cailean Maclean chaired the meeting and after a joint presentation by Cailean and the artist Steve Tinney those present were invited to view the proposed site and reconvene after lunch to discuss the proposal.

After constructive discussion in which all represented organisations had input, the meeting was concluded. The overall concensus was that the proposal had the unanamous backing of those present.

It was particularly pleasing for the steering group to welcome the relatives of John Mackenzie to the meeting and to gain their approval for the proposed project.