Lothian gets its very own man of steel

Passing motorists have been watching with fascination as the form of a giant, crouching man, and two massive crane supports began to take shape.

However, they only have a few months left to appreciate the artwork. Once it is finished in May, it will be split into 5,000 pieces and shipped to Lelystad in the Netherlands, where it is to be installed.

Simon Harrison, managing director of Had Fab Ltd, said he had been surprised by the request from the Turner Prize winner. The company has a strong reputation for building pylons and transmission towers, which are similar in structure to the artwork.

He has been working with Mr Gormley for the past five years, developing the idea entitled Exposure.

Mr Harrison said: "It was quite a surprise. It's the most unusual job we've ever undertaken. It's been a challenge, but gave us the opportunity to prove our expertise.

"The whole process is completely different from making a pylon, and quite technical. You can't draw the structure in two dimensions, so the lads have been working from a laptop. It's a completely new way of working.

"It's certainly got a lot of attention. I think everybody in the area has been very enthusiastic."

Once completed, the 60 tonne sculpture will measure 18 metres across, with 14,000 bolts. Up to seven of the company's 55 workers have been working on the project at a time. They have had to fit it in with other projects, with building pylons still their main work.

"It could never be the main focus of our factory," Mr Harrison added. "But Antony is very keen to work with us again. It's just a shame this sculpture wasn't designed for the UK."

Fans of Mr Gormley can, however, look forward to a series of works to be installed at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and along the Water of Leith. Six Times will consist of figures, based on moulds of the artist's body.