The word 'iconic' is frequently used to describe new public works of art.

The word 'iconic' is frequently used to describe new public works of art. Often, the word is appended to a project more in hope than in fact, as builders and backers of projects try and generate enthusiasm - and funds - to enable their dreams to become reality. After all, for something to become truly iconic - such as the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower - a public consensus must build that a building is indeed representative of something bigger than just its own bricks, mortar, marble and metal. The Kelpies in Falkirk, for example, have been embraced by the public, locally and nationally, and Andy Scott's mammoth equine statues are now a new symbol of Scotland.

The Star of Caledonia, which received planning permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council last year, but has now been denied £1m in key funds from Creative Scotland, has been planned as an iconic new work of public art for the border near Gretna. It's planners perhaps rightly point to the economic and tourism benefits that the structure could bring to the region. But Creative Scotland's decision seems to have dealt the plans a serious blow - an official act of iconoclasm, perhaps.