The stresses and strains of 2020 all got to us at some point.
For Scott Walker, worrying about his social worker wife and daughter also working on the frontline bore heavily on him.
After moving to Balloch a year ago, the 52-year-old turned to the natural surroundings to bring himself some peace and calmness amongst the storm around him.
The artist has created around 300 stone stacks since lockdown was first imposed in March and says it has benefitted him massively.
He told the Lennox Herald: “One of the reasons I was so anxious was my wife and daughter are social care workers.
“Like everybody, I have felt anxious and worried about the situation but this gives me a little relaxation and peace.”
Scott had been introduced to the art of stone-stacking through a friend of his and during a daily walk around Balloch Park in March had spotted one and felt inspired.
He said: “I saw one small sculpture by the loch which was the first time I had actually seen one.
“I started to do them by myself.
“It felt like I had been there for about ten minutes but it was actually about an hour.
“It has become a bit of an obsession.
“I am in the fresh air with my dog with me and the trees and the loch around me. It’s just a very peaceful activity to do.”
And his work has even inspired others.
Scott went on: “I noticed other people started doing them too. At one point there were about 20 different stacks along the parks shoreline in the same day.
“I thought it would be a nice activity to suggest to others as well. If I can get something out of it, I’m sure others can too.”
Originally from County Durham, artist Scott moved to Balloch with his wife and his dog at the end of 2019.
Prints of his sculptures can be purchased at the Made Guid shop in Dumbarton East.
Scott added: “My wife and I decided to move to Balloch last year to get out of the city.
“I am an artist and I work from home. A lot of work I do is very detailed and I really need to concentrate.
“It surprised me just how much of a difference doing these sculptures has made.”
